Authorities say 30-year-old Sergio Meza Fraire has been charged in the April 20 killing of first-grade teacher Arti Varma, 59, and the attempted murder of her 25-year-old daughter, Meera. Fraire pleaded not guilty at his April 23 arraignment and is being held without bail on counts that include murder with a special circumstance of lying in wait, attempted murder and first-degree residential burglary. Investigators allege the suspect broke into the home around 6 a.m. and used a knife; no motive or prior connection has been disclosed. A preliminary hearing is set for June 12; if convicted he could face life without parole or the death penalty.
Burbank Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing of First-Grade Teacher; Daughter Critically Injured
Sergio FraireCredit: Burbank Police Department
A California man has been charged in the April 20 fatal stabbing of a first-grade teacher and the serious wounding of her adult daughter, authorities said.
Meera Varma; Arti VarmaCredit: Meera Varma/LinkedIn; Burbank USD
On April 23, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced that 30-year-old Sergio Meza Fraire of Burbank was charged in connection with the early-morning attack that left 59-year-old Arti Varma dead and her 25-year-old daughter, Meera Varma, hospitalized with major injuries. Fraire pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is being held without bail.
Meera VarmaCredit: Meera Varma/LinkedIn
Charges and Allegations
Prosecutors filed 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. Authorities say investigators believe the suspect broke into the home on the 2800 block of North Brighton Street at about 6 a.m. while the victims were sleeping and used a knife in the attack.
Meera VarmaCredit: Meera Varma/LinkedIn
“Arti Varma was taken to a hospital, where she died of her injuries. Her daughter Meera Varma remains hospitalized,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement.
Victim and Community Response
Arti Varma taught first grade at Bret Harte Elementary School in Burbank and was known locally as a committed educator and mental health advocate. Local reports say she had worked with public figures during her career, and friends described her as a "bright light" who loved teaching.
“She was an amazing teacher, and she loved being a teacher. She was such a bright light. She was always so joyful, so proud of her kids,” said Cristina Strattan, a friend, in an interview with ABC7.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman called the incident a "vicious and unprovoked attack" and confirmed the county's Bureau of Victim Services is offering trauma-informed support to the surviving victim and the family.
Next Steps
Authorities have not released a motive and have not confirmed any prior connection between Fraire and the victims. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12. If convicted as charged, Fraire could face life in state prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. The investigation remains ongoing.
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