20-Year-Old Indian Man Arrested in Germany After Alleged Murder of Girlfriend in Arizona
A 20-year-old Indian man has been taken into custody in Germany after allegedly killing his 19-year-old girlfriend in Arizona and trying to flee the United States. Varun Batchigari is charged with first-degree murder in the death of college student Julissa Rubi Salazar, whose body was discovered in her Tucson apartment near the University of Arizona last Thursday.
The police were alerted when Salazar’s family expressed worry about her well-being. When officers arrived at her apartment around 4 PM (local time), they found her unresponsive, showing signs of trauma.
Investigations quickly pointed to Batchigari as the key suspect. Reports indicate he took Salazar’s phone and credit cards and sent messages to her mother.
POLICE TRACK SUSPECT TO GERMANY
Authorities began their search for Batchigari after confirming he had left Tucson. He first flew to Houston from Tucson International Airport before heading to Berlin, Germany, in what officials believe was an attempt to return to India.
An arrest warrant was issued as investigators tracked his movements. With the help of federal agents, the Tucson Police Department managed to locate and arrest him in Germany. Batchigari is expected to be extradited to Arizona to face the murder charge and will be booked into Pima County Adult Detention.
GIRLFRIEND PLANNED TO LEAVE RELATIONSHIP
This case has shed light on the dynamics of Batchigari’s relationship with Salazar, including previous allegations of abuse. Reports indicate that Salazar was planning to end the relationship due to experiences of sexual assault and abusive behavior.
In the days leading up to her death, Salazar’s roommates reportedly heard loud screams coming from her room on August 5. Concerned for her safety, they reached out, and she responded, claiming everything was fine and that it had just been a disagreement.
Investigators are also delving into Batchigari’s past conduct. Records show he had an open assault case in Pima County, filed on May 26. Another woman reportedly alleged that Batchigari had sexually assaulted her on Halloween, although she did not report it at the time.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT WITH TROUBLED PAST
Batchigari was studying business analytics at the University of Arizona but was reportedly expelled following a fight, cutting short his academic journey. He also has a history of domestic violence allegations.
The case raises questions about his situation leading up to Salazar’s death. Batchigari had recently lost his job, which impacted his ability to pay rent and placed his immigration status at risk. Authorities have not confirmed whether these issues contributed to the alleged murder or his decision to leave the country.
