In a significant development, a Navy reservist accused of a chilling crime in Virginia has been apprehended abroad and is set to face extradition to the United States. David Varela, 38, became the focus of an international hunt after authorities discovered the body of his wife, Lina Maria Guerra, 39, concealed in a freezer at their Norfolk residence on February 5. The arrest was confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Patel took to social media to share the news, stating, “More big news today… the FBI is announcing the successful overseas apprehension of David Varela, a 38-year-old Navy reservist who is wanted for first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Lina Guerra.” He further emphasized, “Mr. Varela has been on the run for over two months attempting to avoid prosecution for these heinous crimes, but justice doesn’t forget.”
Lina Maria Guerra had been reported missing by her brother on February 2, 2026, after he had not heard from her for two weeks. The discovery of her body came just days later, prompting a swift investigation and search for Varela.
While Patel did not disclose the exact location of Varela’s capture, it was widely believed that he had fled to Hong Kong shortly after leaving the U.S. around February 5, the same day Guerra’s remains were found. The international manhunt highlights the seriousness of the charges and the commitment of authorities to bring Varela to justice.
Lina Maria Guerra, 39, had been reported missing by her brother on Feb. 2, 2026. (Paul Yeung/Bloomberg)
Patel did not specify where Varela was captured, but he was believed to have fled to Hong Kong. Investigators said Varela left the U.S. on or about Feb. 5, the same day Guerra’s body was discovered. She had been reported missing by her brother after he had not heard from her for two weeks.
Detectives had also been unable to reach Varela, an active-duty Navy reservist, and his Navy supervisor told police it was unusual for him not to return calls. Guerra’s death was later ruled a homicide.
Virginia authorities issued two arrest warrants charging Varela with first-degree murder and concealing a dead body. Federal investigators determined Varela boarded a flight to Hong Kong, and emergency disclosure requests from WhatsApp showed location information originating from there.
Lina Maria Guerra was found dead in her Norfolk, Va., home Feb. 5, 2026. (Norfolk Police Department)
Authorities said Varela has family in Colombia but no known ties to Hong Kong or China. Guerra’s loved ones told WTKR-TV that Varela was jealous and barred his wife from working, having friends or socializing alone.
“I want to emphasize that there had been violence before from David,” Guerra’s sister-in-law, Paola Ramirez, told the news outlet through a translator.
“He had hit her previously, but she didn’t tell us because she didn’t want to worry us. He appeared to be very religious, very calm, normal. That’s why this is so shocking. We never imagined he’d do something like this.”
The news station reported receiving a tip from a woman who said she possibly met Varela in Hong Kong, where he allegedly asked her out.
FBI Director Kash Patel stands silently during a news conference Oct. 23, 2025, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty)
“I was in Hong Kong with my friends. We met this man while waiting in line at an attraction,” she told the station through a translator. “He introduced himself as David and said he was looking for a Russian wife.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
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