Killed in Her Own Home Indian Origin Teacher Arti Varma Stabbed to Death in Burbank Attack

An Indian origin mother and daughter were stabbed inside their Burbank home on April 20 in a shocking attack that claimed one life and left the other hospitalized, with police making an arrest the same day.

Arti Varma, 59, a beloved first grade teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School in Burbank, was found with stab wounds alongside her 25 year old daughter Meera Varma when officers responded to the scene. Despite emergency efforts, Arti succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. Meera remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, canvassed the area for evidence, and identified 30 year old Sergio Fraire as the prime suspect. Burbank Police SWAT served a search warrant at a residence on the 500 block of East Palm Avenue, where Fraire was taken into custody without incident and evidence related to the crime was recovered.

Fraire has been booked on charges of murder and attempted murder, with formal charges pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The relationship between Fraire and the Varma family, as well as the motive, remain under investigation. Meera Varma is known as a mental health activist who has engaged with public figures including Oprah Winfrey and former President Joe Biden.

The Burbank Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact its Investigation Division.