Screenshots, disguise and a knife: Chilling details of how Indian-origin Varun killed a child sex offender in US

A grisly murder in California has shocked the United States after police said an Indian-origin man fatally stabbed a 71-year-old who was listed on a public sex offender registry.

The suspect, 29-year-old Varun Suresh, has been charged with the killing of David Brimmer, a convicted child sex offender. According to court filings, Suresh admitted to investigators that he had long wanted to kill a sex offender, describing the act as “honestly really fun.”

How the attack unfolded

Police say Suresh used California’s Megan’s Law database to locate Brimmer, who had previously served nine years in prison for child sexual assault in 1995. He allegedly prepared for the encounter by arming himself with a knife and adopting a disguise.

On the day of the attack, Suresh posed as a certified public accountant, carrying a bag, a notebook and a cup of coffee to appear convincing while going door-to-door. When he reached Brimmer’s Fremont home, he struck up a conversation, shook Brimmer’s hand and chillingly remarked, “I knew I had the right guy.” Investigators say he then forced Brimmer back inside the house.

Brimmer managed to escape and ran from his home in a desperate attempt to get help, trying to flag down a passing vehicle but failing. According to police, he sprinted two blocks before collapsing inside a neighbour’s garage and kitchen. Suresh followed closely behind, stabbing him in the neck while reportedly ordering him to “repent.”

Even as Brimmer struggled to crawl away, Suresh slit his throat to, in his own words, “make sure it was done.” Emergency responders arrived quickly but Brimmer died from multiple stab wounds.

The Chilling Confession

After his arrest, Suresh reportedly told investigators that he specifically targeted Brimmer because of his age and vulnerability. He allegedly said the killing was “honestly really fun,” according to CBS News.

Suresh also admitted that he had no plans to run. “I’m hoping that because (the victim is) a pedophile… like, everyone hates pedophiles… so like, it should be cool. It should be cool,” he reportedly said. In post-arrest interviews, he showed no remorse, telling investigators he was “not sorry” and “didn’t feel sad at all.”

Authorities found screenshots on Suresh’s phone of multiple profiles from California’s Megan’s Law website, including Brimmer’s. According to police, the screenshot of Brimmer’s profile was taken about 45 minutes before the first 911 call reporting the stabbing.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Suresh with murder, residential burglary and use of a deadly weapon. Officials said the incident appears isolated and that Suresh remains in custody as prosecutors review the case.

Prior Run-ins with the Law
This is not Suresh’s first brush with the authorities. In 2021 he was arrested for a fake bomb threat, criminal threats and burglary after leaving a bag at the Hyatt Place in Fremont. At the time, he reportedly told police that he had been “hunting” the CEO of the Hyatt chain because “he was a paedophile and wanted to kill him.”