A 20-year-old Indian national, identified as Varun Batchigari, has been arrested in Germany in connection with the death of his 19-year-old girlfriend in Tucson, Arizona. US authorities allege that Batchigari killed the University of Arizona student and then fled the United States, travelling through Houston before reaching Germany.
He is facing a first-degree murder charge, while the arrest warrant also includes a kidnapping charge. Authorities are working to extradite him to Arizona, where he is expected to be booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the international chase but also because investigators are examining allegations of previous violence and abuse involving the suspect.
Girlfriend Found Dead in Her Apartment
The victim, Julissa Rubi Salazar, 19, was found unresponsive inside her apartment near the University of Arizona in Tucson on August 6.
Her family had requested a welfare check after they became concerned about her and were unable to reach her.
Police and firefighters arrived at the apartment at around 4 pm local time. Salazar was found on the floor and showed signs of trauma. Investigators also found marks and scratches around her neck, leading police to treat the death as a suspected homicide.
Authorities have not publicly detailed all of her injuries.
Investigators subsequently identified her boyfriend, Batchigari, as the main suspect.
Police Believe Suspect Fled the US
The investigation took an international turn after police discovered that Batchigari had left Tucson.
According to investigators, he travelled to Tucson International Airport, flew to Houston, and then boarded an international flight to Berlin, Germany.
Authorities believe he may have been trying to continue his journey to India.
An arrest warrant was issued as investigators traced his movements. Arizona authorities then worked with US federal agencies and German authorities to locate him.
Batchigari was eventually detained after arriving in Germany.
Police also allege that he used Salazar’s bank card to arrange transportation to the airport before leaving Tucson for Houston and then Germany.
He is now expected to be extradited to Arizona to face the murder case.
Salazar Was Reportedly Planning to End the Relationship
Investigators are also examining what happened between Salazar and Batchigari in the days before her death.
According to information included in the case, Salazar had reportedly been planning to end her relationship with Batchigari. A roommate told investigators that Salazar had been afraid of him because of his alleged history of violent behaviour.
There were also allegations that Salazar had previously been sexually assaulted by Batchigari.
Another roommate reportedly told investigators that she heard loud screaming and yelling from Salazar’s room on August 5, one day before Salazar was found dead.
The disturbance reportedly continued for several minutes. After a short period of silence, another outburst was heard.
Concerned by what she had heard, the roommate later contacted Salazar to ask whether she was safe.
Salazar reportedly replied that she was fine and described what had happened as “just an argument.”
Investigators are now looking closely at these events as part of the homicide investigation.
Previous Assault Allegations Also Under Investigation
Batchigari had reportedly faced previous allegations involving violence.
Court records cited in the information provided indicate that he had an open criminal case in Pima County involving an allegation of assault and knowingly causing injury. That case was filed on May 26.
Investigators were also reportedly told by another woman that Batchigari had sexually assaulted her on Halloween. She did not report the alleged incident at the time.
These allegations have not been presented as convictions, but investigators are examining his previous conduct as they build the case surrounding Salazar’s death.
University Student With Troubled History
Batchigari had been studying business analytics at the University of Arizona.
However, his time at the university reportedly ended after he was expelled following a fight. The information provided also points to previous allegations of domestic violence and other violent behaviour.
His personal circumstances had also reportedly become difficult in the weeks before Salazar’s death.
He had recently lost his job, which reportedly affected his ability to pay rent and placed his US visa status at risk.
Authorities have not said whether the loss of employment, financial problems or his immigration situation had any direct connection to Salazar’s death or his decision to leave the United States.
International Arrest and Extradition
After Batchigari left the US, police issued an arrest warrant and began working with authorities outside the country.
His movements from Tucson to Houston and then Germany allowed investigators to track his suspected escape route.
With assistance from US federal agencies and German authorities, he was detained after reaching Germany.
He is expected to be extradited to Arizona, where he will face the first-degree murder case and be booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Batchigari will ultimately be tested through the legal process.
Important: Batchigari is accused of the crimes and remains entitled to due process. The allegations, including the murder and previous assault claims, have not been established as convictions.
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