April 23, 2026: Man Charged With Murder in Stabbing That Killed Burbank Schoolteacher, Seriously Injured Daughter

If convicted as charged, Sergio Fraire faces up to life in state prison or death

BURBANK, Calif. - A 30-year-old man was charged today with murder in the stabbing of first-grade teacher Arti Varma, 69, and the attempted murder of her 25-year-old daughter, Meera Varma, at their home in Burbank.

"Arti Varma was a deeply beloved elementary school teacher who was senselessly taken from her family and community in an act of horrific violence, leaving an entire community grieving in its wake," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to the victims' family, Bret Harte Elementary School's staff, students and parents and the entire Burbank community. Our Bureau of Victim Services is available to provide trauma-informed support to the surviving victim and their family as they cope with this unfathomable loss. We will take every necessary step to ensure that the defendant is held accountable for this vicious and unprovoked attack."

Sergio Meza Fraire (dob 8/25/95) of Burbank is charged in case 26PDCF00374 with one felony count of murder with a special circumstance of lying in wait, one felony count of attempted murder and one felony count of first-degree residential burglary. It is further alleged that the defendant personally used a deadly weapon, a knife, in the commission of the murder and attempted murder and personally inflicted great bodily injury upon the attempted murder victim.

The defendant pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today. The Court set bail at no bail at the prosecution's request. The next court date is a preliminary hearing setting on June 12 in Department H of the Pasadena Courthouse.

On April 20, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., Fraire allegedly broke into the victims' home while they were sleeping. At approximately 6 a.m., Fraire allegedly entered one of the victim's bedrooms then repeatedly stabbed both victims. Arti Varma was taken to a hospital, where she died of her injuries. Her daughter Meera Varma remains hospitalized.

If convicted as charged, Fraire faces up to life in state prison without the possibility of parole or death. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Melany Avanessians of the Pasadena Branch Office. The investigation remains ongoing by the Burbank Police Department.

The charges in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.