A University of Arizona student was found dead in her Tucson apartment on Thursday, days after her boyfriend allegedly strangled her and fled the country. Police have identified the victim as 19-year-old Julissa Rubi Salazar.
Detectives identified Salazar's boyfriend, 20-year-old Varun Batchigari, as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant for first-degree murder and kidnapping was issued for Batchigari, who was apprehended in Germany. The FBI's Legal Attaché Office in Berlin, alerted by the agency's Tucson office, arrested Batchigari as he attempted to travel to his home country of India.
Salazar's parents requested a welfare check after receiving concerning texts from her phone following a period of silence. Upon entering the apartment, the fire department discovered Salazar's body and requested police assistance due to suspected foul play. Investigators determined that Salazar was found on the floor with a blanket pulled to her neck, displaying signs of strangulation and scratch marks.
Roommates told detectives that Salazar had been planning to end her relationship with Batchigari due to a history of abuse and sexual assault. One roommate reported hearing screams from Salazar's room on August 5, the day before the body was discovered. Salazar had told the roommate it was merely an argument.
Authorities allege that after the murder, Batchigari stole Salazar's phone and bank cards. He used these to arrange transportation to Tucson International Airport, from where he flew to Houston and then to Germany. He was reportedly planning to continue to India before his arrest.
Interviews with associates revealed a pattern of concerning behavior from Batchigari. One individual reported being sexually assaulted by him at a Halloween party, an incident that was not reported to law enforcement. Another acquaintance stated that Batchigari had been expelled from the University of Arizona following a fight and had recently lost his job. This employment loss potentially jeopardized his U.S. visa and made it difficult for him to afford rent.
Court records indicate Batchigari has a pending assault case in Pima County Court stemming from an incident in May. He is currently in custody in Germany awaiting extradition to Arizona to face murder and kidnapping charges.
A GoFundMe page established to assist Salazar's family with funeral expenses described her as a cherished daughter and sister who will be deeply missed.