David Varela Accused of Killing Wife Lina Guerra, Hiding Body in Freezer Before Fleeing to Hong Kong

A Navy reservist is wanted for murder after authorities say he killed his wife in Virginia, concealed her body in a freezer, and fled the country.

According to investigators, 39-year-old Lina Guerra was reported missing in early February. Police in Norfolk later discovered her body inside a kitchen freezer at the home she shared with her husband, 38-year-old David Varela. An affidavit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation states that Varela allegedly killed her before leaving the United States.

Authorities say Varela flew to Hong Kong on Feb. 5, one day after Guerra was reported missing. Law enforcement agencies — including the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security — are now working to locate him. Officials say they have not had contact with him since he departed.

Family members told media outlets that Varela had claimed Guerra had been arrested for shoplifting and even sent relatives a photo that appeared to show her in jail. Court records later confirmed she had never been charged with such a crime.

Relatives also described Varela as jealous and controlling, alleging he restricted Guerra’s ability to work, socialize, or go out alone. One family member said there had been previous incidents of violence that Guerra had not disclosed publicly because she did not want to worry loved ones.

Prosecutors have charged Varela with first-degree murder and concealing a dead body. Ramin Fatehi, the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, said officials are pursuing efforts to extradite him to the United States to face charges.

The United States Navy confirmed that Varela is an enlisted reservist on active orders who works as an electrician and has more than a decade of service. The Navy said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

The case remains ongoing.