Man Charged with Murder Following Fatal Double-Stabbing at Burbank Residence
Charges Filed in Fatal Stabbing of Burbank School Teacher
A man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Arti Varma, a 59-year-old teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School, and the injury of her 25-year-old daughter. The charges, confirmed by the district attorney’s office, stem from an incident that has left the community in shock.
Sergio Fraire, 30, faces one felony count of murder with a special circumstance of lying in wait, one count of attempted murder, and one count of first-degree residential burglary. Prosecutors allege that Fraire used a knife during the attack and inflicted significant bodily harm on his intended victim.
Fraire’s arraignment is scheduled for later today.
Police arrested Fraire on Monday evening after responding to the scene of the stabbings at a residence on North Brighton Street in Burbank. The two women were transported to a local hospital; however, Varma later succumbed to her injuries.
Burbank Police reported that the SWAT team served a search warrant at a location on East Palm Avenue, where Fraire was staying. He was apprehended without incident, and evidence related to the crime was collected.
While the investigation continues, details regarding the motive for the stabbings remain unclear. Detectives are interviewing neighbors and reviewing security footage from the area.
School district officials have described Varma as a “devoted and passionate” educator. They expressed deep sorrow over her loss, emphasizing her commitment to her students and the lasting impact she had within the community.
“Ms. Arti Varma… was a deeply valued member of the Burbank Unified community,” the statement read. “Her loss is felt profoundly across our District. We extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Varma’s students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones, as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.”
Varma’s daughter remains hospitalized, but her condition is reported as stable.
