Navy Reservist Charged After Wife Found Dead

A Norfolk, Virginia woman who had been reported missing was found dead inside the kitchen freezer of her apartment, and her husband - an active-duty Navy reservist - has been charged with her murder.
Lina Guerra, 39, was reported missing on Feb. 2, 2026, after her brother in Colombia contacted authorities and said he had not heard from her. Norfolk police executed a search warrant on Feb. 5 at the downtown apartment she shared with her husband, 38-year-old David Varela, according to ABC affiliate reporting and The Virginian-Pilot. Officers discovered her remains inside the freezer.
Investigators said Varela had already left the United States by the time the body was found.

Investigation and International Travel

According to ABC7 Chicago, Varela told Guerra’s family that she had been jailed for shoplifting, a claim authorities later determined was not accurate.
Police said Guerra had not been arrested and was never in custody. Court records allege her body remained inside the apartment while family members sought information about her whereabouts.
Authorities further allege that Varela stopped responding to his Navy supervisor and boarded a flight to Hong Kong the day after Guerra’s disappearance. By the time police located her remains, he was overseas.
He has since been charged with first-degree murder and concealing a dead body.

Victim Background and Family Concerns

Family members described Guerra as a Colombian national living in Norfolk who maintained close contact with relatives abroad. Her brother alerted police after weeks passed without communication.
According to statements cited in local reporting, relatives said they became concerned after receiving unusual messages and explanations about her situation.
Some family members have described Varela as controlling and physically abusive. Authorities have not publicly detailed prior domestic violence reports and have not confirmed those allegations in court filings referenced in initial coverage.

Federal Agencies Involved

With Varela believed to be in Hong Kong, federal agencies have joined the case.
The FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations are assisting in efforts to locate and extradite him, according to media reports. The U.S. Navy confirmed that Varela is an active-duty reservist assigned as an electrician but declined to comment further.
Extradition proceedings can take time in international homicide cases. Authorities have not provided a timeline for his potential return to Virginia.

Legal Status and Ongoing Proceedings

Police have not released information about how long Guerra had been dead before her body was discovered. Investigators also have not publicly discussed a motive.
Varela is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Prosecutors will be required to present evidence supporting the charges if he is returned to face trial in Virginia.
Authorities said the investigation remains active.
References: Navy Husband Charged With Murder After Wife Found in Kitchen Freezer | Lina Guerra Murder: Norfolk Man Charged After Wife Found Dead