Indian national arrested in Germany after allegedly strangling girlfriend in Arizona and fleeing US: Report

Varun Batchigari, a 20-year-old Indian national, has been apprehended in Germany for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old girlfriend, Julissa Rubi Salazar, in Tucson, Arizona, and then fleeing the country, according to KOLD. The Tucson Police Department has confirmed Batchigari's arrest and his extradition to the United States is pending.

He faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping for Salazar's death. Investigators allege that Batchigari strangled Salazar, took her cellphone and bank cards, and used one of her cards to pay for transportation to Tucson International Airport. From there, he traveled to Houston before boarding a flight to Germany, where he was arrested upon arrival.

Salazar's body was discovered on August 6, 2024, in her apartment near Euclid Avenue and Elm Street. She had strangulation marks and scratches on her neck, leading investigators to suspect foul play. A roommate reported that Salazar had planned to end her relationship with Batchigari, and she had previously been sexually assaulted by him.

Another roommate heard loud noises from Salazar's room on the night before her death. Batchigari had a history of violent behavior and had been involved in an assault case at the University of Arizona. Salazar had recently moved in with others after experiencing problems with Batchigari in late 2024. He was reportedly expelled from the University of Arizona following a fight and had lost his job, which created issues related to his visa and rent payments.

Messages sent by Salazar to her mother after her death did not match her usual communication style, according to investigators. Batchigari remains in German custody while extradition proceedings are ongoing.