Burbank PD News Release: Homicide Investigation Update

An arrest has been made in connection with a deadly stabbing that left one woman dead and another seriously injured.

On April 20, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., Burbank Police officers and paramedics responded to the 2800 block of North Brighton Street following a report of two individuals who had been stabbed inside a residence. Upon arrival, officers located two adult female victims, a mother and her daughter, both suffering from stab wounds.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, the mother, identified as 59-year-old Arti Varma, later succumbed to her injuries. Her 25-year-old daughter remains hospitalized and is currently listed in stable condition.

Investigators conducted a comprehensive investigation, which included interviewing witnesses, canvassing for evidence, and collecting and reviewing surveillance video. Through the investigation, detectives identified 30-year-old Sergio Fraire as a person of interest.

At about 10:00 p.m., members of the Burbank Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of East Palm Avenue in Burbank, where Mr. Fraire was believed to be staying. He was taken into custody without incident, and evidence related to the crime was recovered.

Mr. Fraire was arrested and booked for murder and attempted murder. Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims remains under investigation, as does the motive.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Burbank Police Department’s Investigation Division at (818) 238-3210.

                                                              ###                                                          

Questions regarding this statement should be directed to Lieutenant Brent Fekety at (818) 238-3231 or [email protected]