Navy Reservist Charged in Murder of Wife, Flees to Hong Kong
Norfolk, VA – A Navy reservist, David Varela, 38, has been charged with first-degree murder and concealing a dead body in connection with the death of his wife, Lina Guerra, 39. Guerra’s body was discovered inside a freezer at their Norfolk, Virginia apartment on February 5, 2026, after she had been reported missing on February 4th. Authorities believe Varela has fled the country and is currently in Hong Kong.
Details of the Case
Lina Guerra was last seen by family on January 16, 2026, prompting a missing person report filed with the Norfolk Police Department on February 2nd. A subsequent search warrant executed on February 5th led to the discovery of Guerra’s body inside a freezer in the couple’s apartment located in the 300 block of East Main Street.
An autopsy conducted on February 10th by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Guerra’s death a homicide. Norfolk Police Department has charged Varela with first-degree murder and concealing a dead body.
Flight to Hong Kong
Investigators believe Varela fled to Hong Kong “on or about February 5, 2026.” This determination is based on several factors, including Varela’s failure to respond to calls from his chain of command, behavior described as unusual by superiors, and location data obtained from WhatsApp pinging from Hong Kong. Homeland Security, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the FBI have all been involved in the investigation.
Authorities have stated that Varela has family in Colombia but “does not have any discernible ties to Hong Kong or China.” Probable cause exists to believe Varela fled Virginia to avoid prosecution.
Family’s Reaction and Previous Claims
Lina Guerra’s family, contacted in Colombia, expressed devastation over her death. Her aunt, Elizabeth Echavarria, shared that the couple met in Florida and married shortly after. Family members previously reported that Varela falsely claimed Guerra had been arrested for shoplifting and was serving a five-year prison sentence, even sending a fabricated photo of her in an orange jumpsuit. Court records confirm that Guerra was never charged with this crime.
As of February 12, 2026, David Varela remains at large and is not in police custody. Norfolk Police continue to investigate.