California police say they have arrested a man accused of stabbing to death a first-grade teacher at her home before attacking her elderly daughter, who remains in hospital with serious injuries.
The Burbank Police Department announced the arrest of Sergio Fraire in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 21.
Fraire, 30, stabbed both women in a single-family home early Monday, April 20, around 6 a.m., according to authorities.
When he was arrested, Fraire was charged with murder Arti Varma and attempting to kill his 25-year-old daughter.
Arti, 59, taught first grade at Bret Harte Elementary School in Burbank, according to ABC7.
“He was an amazing teacher, and he loved being a teacher,” Arti's friend, Cristina Strattanhe said while speaking at the station. “He was a bright light. He was always happy, proud of his children.”
Police have not released the daughter's name, citing HIPAA regulations. However, a neighbor who spoke to ABC7 identified him Meera Varma.
Both women were taken to a nearby hospital, where medical officials pronounced Arti dead.
Meera remains hospitalized in stable condition and continues to receive treatment for her injuries.
Meera is a mental health advocate and public speaker. He has worked with people like the previous President Joe Biden and his wife, Jillagain Kamala Harrisformer Vice President.
Investigators said they were able to identify Fraire as a person of interest in the deadly attack after “interviewing witnesses” and “persuading and collecting and reviewing surveillance video,” according to a press release.
“He was taken into custody without incident, evidence related to this case was found,” said the police.
So far, the motive remains unknown, and it is unclear how and if Fraire knew the woman.
A California man has been arrested after police identified him as a suspect in two separate murders in New Jersey and California, including the killing of a young mother. The Sunnyvale Police Department said the first homicide occurred in Trenton, New Jersey, on March 12, 2025, according to KSBW. Currently, […]
According to KTLA, Fraire grew up in the Burbank area and said he was an outstanding student and athlete.
Andres Pulgarin, a former colleague of Fraire, said he was shocked by these allegations, like all of his graduating class. “He was an honor student, something you don't really expect from someone like that,” Pulgarin told KTLA.
Meanwhile, the Burbank Unified School District released a statement confirming the tragic loss.
“This news is heartbreaking. Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Varma's students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones, and to all members of the Bret Harte community who may be dealing with this loss,” the school district said in a statement. “Words cannot fully express the sadness we feel or the way we care for those who are grieving.”
Police are continuing to investigate and ask that anyone with information related to the case call the Burbank Police Department's Investigation Division at (818) 238-3210.
