Suspect arrested after mother killed, daughter injured in Burbank stabbing
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- A suspect, 30-year-old Sergio Fraire, was arrested in connection with the stabbing attack that killed 59-year-old Arti Varma and injured her daughter in a Burbank home; evidence related to the crime was recovered at a second location.
- Arti Varma, a first-grade teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School, died from her injuries, while her daughter, identified by a neighbor as Meera Varma, remains hospitalized in stable condition.
- The motive for the attack has not been determined, and it is unclear if the suspect had any relationship with the victims.
- Meera Varma is a nationally recognized mental health activist who has worked with prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey and political leaders including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
- Neighbors and friends expressed shock and sadness over the attack, noting the victims were well-regarded in the community and questioning the safety of the neighborhood; Arti Varma's husband, currently in India, was reported to be deeply distressed.
