A Navy reservist currently on active duty is under suspicion for the murder of his wife in Virginia. According to a federal affidavit submitted by the FBI, it’s believed that he has escaped to Hong Kong.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 38-year-old David Varela. It’s reported that he left the United States around February 5, coinciding with the discovery of his wife’s body in their Norfolk home, specifically in the 300 block of East Main Street.
The victim, 39-year-old Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria, was reported missing by her brother, who became concerned after not hearing from her for over two weeks. This prompted an investigation, revealing a disturbing scene at their residence.
During the inquiry, efforts to contact Varela were unsuccessful, further raising suspicions. His absence was noted as unusual by his Navy supervisor, who confirmed that failing to respond to communications was out of character for him.
The grim discovery of Echavarria’s body in a kitchen freezer was made on February 5. Following the incident, an autopsy carried out by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on February 10 determined that her death was a result of homicide.
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.
