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A Navy reservist currently on active duty is at the center of a grave investigation after being accused of murdering his wife in Virginia. Authorities believe that the suspect, David Varela, has fled to Hong Kong, as revealed in a federal affidavit filed by the FBI.
The investigation took a critical turn when, on or around February 5, police made a chilling discovery. Inside the kitchen freezer of the couple’s Norfolk residence, located in the 300 block of East Main Street, they found the body of Varela’s wife.
The victim, 39-year-old Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria, had been reported missing by her brother, who had grown concerned after not hearing from her for over two weeks. This absence prompted him to reach out to the authorities.
During the search for Guerra Echavarria, detectives faced a lack of communication with Varela, which raised suspicions. His Navy supervisor also noted that it was unlike Varela to ignore calls, adding to the urgency of the situation.
The case took a devastating turn on February 5, 2026, when police confirmed the death of Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria. As the investigation unfolds, the Norfolk Police Department continues to work in collaboration with federal authorities to uncover the full story behind this tragic event.
An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on Feb. 10 ruled Echavarria’s death a homicide.
Following their investigation, Virginia authorities issued two arrest warrants charging Varela with concealing a dead body to prevent detection and first-degree murder.
Homeland Security Investigations determined the Navy reservist took a flight to Hong Kong, and emergency disclosure requests from WhatsApp showed location information originating from there.
The FBI said it is assisting in the investigation. (Getty Images)
The affidavit notes Varela has family in Colombia but no known ties to Hong Kong or China.
Federal authorities have since sought an arrest warrant alleging he fled Virginia to avoid prosecution. Prosecutors have also completed extradition authorization paperwork in connection with an Interpol Red Notice request.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that it is conducting a joint investigation with Norfolk police and referred additional questions to the department as the lead agency.
An aerial view of buildings in Hong Kong, China, on July 4, 2025. (Paul Yeung/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security also confirmed they were working with local law enforcement.
The FBI told Fox News Digital in a statement that the agency is “unwavering in its support of our local partners and will leverage its full investigative and international capabilities to help ensure those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable — regardless of where they attempt to flee.”
Police have not released a motive, saying the case remains under active investigation.