Fraire pleaded not guilty and is held without bail. According to Burbank Police Department Lieutenant Brent Fekety, witness statements and security footage led to Fraire's arrest. The footage showed Fraire walking approximately three miles to Varma's home before breaking in between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Fekety said in a statement, 'Detectives continue to investigate the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims, as well as the motive.'
Arti Varma was a teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School. Her sister also works there as a special education teacher, police said via the Los Angeles Times. According to Daily Mail - News, neighbor Victor Goli described Varma's husband, who was in India at the time, as crying and unable to speak. Another neighbor, Emma Strattan, told Daily Mail - News that Varma was a fantastic teacher and sweet lady, and the community feels her loss. Friend Cristina Strattan, also speaking to Daily Mail - News, described Varma as a bright light who was always joyful and proud of her children.
He couldn't even speak right... he was crying.
Fraire's relationship with Varma remains unclear, police said. Fraire's sister was arrested on Thursday and charged with murder and other crimes, according to police via NBC 4. Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi said on social media, 'The tragedy which claimed the life of a beloved teacher at Bret Harte, Arti Varma, and left her daughter, Meera, several injured, has left us all carrying a heavy, collective heartache.'
Detectives continue to investigate the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims, as well as the motive.
Arti was a fantastic teacher and sweet lady. The community feels her loss especially at Bret Harte Elementary.
She was such a bright light. She was always so joyful, so proud of her kids.
The tragedy which claimed the life of a beloved teacher at Bret Harte, Arti Varma, and left her daughter, Meera, several injured, has left us all carrying a heavy, collective heartache.