An Indian national has been arrested in Germany on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend in Tucson, Arizona. Varun Batchigari, 20, was detained at a German airport after allegedly killing 19-year-old Julissa Rubi Salazar inside her apartment.
Salazar was found dead on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with signs of trauma. Police responded to her apartment after her family requested a welfare check. Detectives identified Batchigari, Salazar's boyfriend, as the prime suspect after he allegedly stole her phone and credit cards and sent messages to her mother, raising alarm.
Officials believe Batchigari fled to Tucson International Airport, where he boarded a flight to Houston, then another to Berlin, Germany, apparently intending to return to his native India. An arrest warrant was issued for Batchigari, and Arizona authorities collaborated with federal agents to secure his detention in Germany. He is expected to be extradited to Arizona to face a first-degree murder charge.
According to reports, Salazar had planned to end her relationship with Batchigari due to his alleged history of domestic violence. Her roommates reportedly heard loud screaming from her room for several minutes on August 5, the day before Salazar was found deceased. When contacted by roommates, Salazar reportedly stated she was fine and that it was just an argument.
Batchigari, who was studying business analytics at the nearby University of Arizona, was reportedly expelled from the university following a fight. Court records indicate he had an open criminal case for assault filed in Pima County Court on May 26, 2026. One woman also reportedly claimed Batchigari sexually assaulted her on Halloween, though she did not file a report. Batchigari had also recently lost his job, impacting his ability to pay rent and potentially his visa status.
Salazar is remembered by her family as a beloved daughter and sister who was pursuing her college education.