Arizona student, 19, was about to dump her ‘abusive’ boyfriend before he strangled her to death and fled to GERMANY, police say
A 19-year-old university student in Arizona, named as Julissa Salzar, was allegedly strangled to death by her boyfriend, Varun Batchigari, who then fled the United States for Germany, according to police. Investigators say the sophomore had been planning to end the relationship, which she reportedly described to friends as abusive, shortly before her death.
Police believe the attack took place as the young woman prepared to break off the relationship, though the full circumstances of the killing have not been detailed. Batchigari is said to have left the country for Germany in the aftermath, prompting an international element to the investigation as authorities work to establish his whereabouts and pursue his return to face charges.
In short
- Arizona student, 19, allegedly strangled by boyfriend before break-up.
- Suspect Varun Batchigari fled to Germany after the killing, police say.
- Victim Julissa Salzar had reportedly called the relationship abusive.
Explained simply
Julissa Salzar was a 19-year-old university student in Arizona. Police say she was killed by her boyfriend, Varun Batchigari; investigators believe she had been preparing to end their relationship.
The case involves both a domestic homicide investigation and an alleged flight across borders. Because police say Batchigari travelled to Germany, authorities may need cooperation between the United States and Germany to locate him and address his return to face charges.