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Suspect in Tucson Homicide Arrested in Germany After Fleeing the U.S.

Detained at a Munich airport, he is now awaiting extradition to Arizona.

Overview

  • Tucson first responders found 19-year-old Julissa Rubi Salazar dead in an off‑campus apartment during a welfare check and investigators say her injuries were consistent with homicide.
  • Homicide detectives identified 20‑year‑old Varun Batchigari as the suspect and secured arrest warrants charging him with first‑degree murder and kidnapping.
  • Investigators say Batchigari boarded a flight out of Tucson International Airport on Aug. 6 bound for Germany with plans to continue to India.
  • U.S. federal partners and the Munich Police worked together to intercept and take Batchigari into custody when he arrived in Germany, and he is being held pending extradition to Arizona.
  • Authorities have not released details about what led to the killing and the homicide investigation remains active as Arizona officials prepare to seek his return for booking and prosecution.