A Navy reservist stands accused of murdering his wife, hiding her body in their kitchen freezer, fabricating an elaborate prison cover story, and fleeing the country—exposing how a military member allegedly exploited his position while federal agencies scramble to bring him to justice across international borders.
Story Snapshot
- David Varela, 38, a Navy reservist, charged with first-degree murder after wife Lina Guerra, 39, found dead in their Norfolk apartment freezer on February 5
- Varela allegedly told Guerra’s family she was imprisoned for shoplifting, sent fabricated jail photos, then fled to Hong Kong the day her body was discovered
- International manhunt involves Norfolk Police, NCIS, Department of Homeland Security, and Interpol across 190+ countries
- Family described Varela as controlling and abusive, preventing Guerra from working, maintaining friendships, or leaving home alone
Deception and Discovery Unravel Horrific Crime
David Varela concocted an elaborate lie to conceal his wife’s death, telling Lina Guerra’s family in early February that she had been sentenced to five years in prison for shoplifting. He even sent them a fabricated photograph of himself supposedly visiting her in jail, wearing an orange prison outfit. Guerra’s family, who maintained daily contact with her, grew alarmed when communication ceased in mid-January. Her brother reported her missing on February 2 after more than two weeks of silence. Three days later, Norfolk Police executed a search warrant on the couple’s downtown apartment, discovering Guerra’s lifeless body inside the kitchen freezer.
Military Member Flees Country as Investigation Intensifies
The same day Guerra’s body was found, Department of Homeland Security Investigations determined that Varela had boarded a flight to Hong Kong. His Tesla remained parked outside the apartment, and Guerra’s cell phone was recovered inside the residence. Authorities emphasize that Varela has no discernible ties to Hong Kong or China, raising questions about his choice of destination. On February 10, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Guerra’s death a homicide. Varela now faces charges of first-degree murder and concealment of a body, with international warrants issued through coordinated efforts among state, federal, local, and international law enforcement agencies including the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Pattern of Control Preceded Alleged Murder
Guerra’s family members paint a disturbing picture of Varela’s behavior during the marriage. They described him as a jealous, controlling husband who systematically isolated Guerra from normal life. He allegedly prevented the 39-year-old Colombian national from working, maintaining friendships, studying, or going out alone. Friends remembered Guerra as a sweet, kind person who loved her three dogs. The pattern of controlling behavior aligns with well-documented warning signs of domestic violence escalation. This case raises serious concerns about military vetting procedures and oversight of active-duty personnel with histories of abusive conduct—a failure that may have cost Guerra her life.
Extradition Challenges Mount in Rare International Case
Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi is coordinating with Interpol to secure Varela’s extradition, marking only the second case in his 19-plus years as a prosecutor requiring international law enforcement involvement. Fatehi explained that the primary challenges involve completing extensive paperwork and locating the fugitive. Once found, extradition depends on bilateral agreements between governments. The complexity of international legal cooperation underscores how criminals can exploit jurisdictional boundaries. Fatehi characterized intimate partner homicides as particularly emotionally taxing for prosecutors, noting that such cases involve people who supposedly love each other—making the betrayal and violence even more disturbing for everyone involved in seeking justice.
Justice Delayed Leaves Family in Anguish
Guerra’s family in Colombia faces ongoing trauma while navigating the international legal process. The elaborate deception Varela allegedly employed—fabricating a prison story while Guerra’s body lay frozen in their apartment—compounds their grief. This case exemplifies the challenges law enforcement faces when suspects flee abroad, particularly to regions without straightforward extradition treaties. The involvement of multiple federal agencies demonstrates the resource-intensive nature of international fugitive pursuits. For Guerra’s loved ones, every day Varela remains at large represents delayed justice. The case also highlights broader policy questions about domestic violence screening within military ranks and whether adequate safeguards exist to protect vulnerable spouses from service members who abuse their positions of trust.
