Burbank Home Scene of Tragic Double Stabbing; Suspect in Custody
Mother Killed, Daughter Hospitalized in Burbank Stabbing; Suspect Arrested
A 30-year-old man has been arrested following a stabbing incident at a Burbank residence that resulted in the death of a mother and serious injuries to her daughter. Police identified the victims as 59-year-old Arti Varma and her 25-year-old daughter, who is currently hospitalized.
Sergio Fraire, 30, was taken into custody on Monday night on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities reported that members of the Burbank Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a search warrant at a residence on East Palm Avenue, where Fraire was believed to be staying. Police stated that he was arrested without incident, and evidence related to the crime was recovered.
Details surrounding the incident, which occurred at a home on North Brighton Street, remain unclear. Police have not yet disclosed the circumstances leading up to the stabbings, nor has any relationship between the suspect and the victims been established.
Neighbors reported that Arti Varma worked as an elementary school teacher, while her daughter is recognized as a mental health advocate. The area surrounding the home was cordoned off with police tape early Tuesday as law enforcement officials continued their investigation. Multiple police vehicles and a fire truck were seen at the scene, where officers were retrieving items from the residence. Detectives also interviewed neighbors and examined security camera footage as part of their inquiry.
The Burbank Police Department encourages anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact their Investigation Division at 818-238-3210.
