Navy reservist on active duty accused of murdering wife believed to have fled to Hong Kong

A Navy reservist connected progressive work accused of murdering his woman successful Virginia is believed to person fled to Hong Kong, according to a national affidavit filed by the FBI.

Investigators said 38-year-old David Varela near the state connected oregon astir Feb. 5, the aforesaid time constabulary discovered his wife’s assemblage wrong a room freezer astatine their Norfolk location successful the 300 artifact of East Main Street.

Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria, 39, had been reported missing by her member aft helium had not heard from her for much than 2 weeks.

Detectives had besides been incapable to scope Varela, and his Navy supervisor told constabulary it was antithetic for him not to instrumentality calls.

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Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria was recovered dormant successful her Norfolk, Virginia location connected Feb. 5, 2026. (Norfolk Police Department)

An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner connected Feb. 10 ruled Echavarria’s decease a homicide.

Following their investigation, Virginia authorities issued 2 apprehension warrants charging Varela with concealing a dormant assemblage to forestall detection and first-degree murder.

Homeland Security Investigations determined the Navy reservist took a formation to Hong Kong, and exigency disclosure requests from WhatsApp showed determination accusation originating from there.

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The FBI said it is assisting successful the investigation. (Getty Images)

The affidavit notes Varela has household successful Colombia but nary known ties to Hong Kong oregon China.

Federal authorities person since sought an apprehension warrant alleging helium fled Virginia to debar prosecution. Prosecutors person besides completed extradition authorization paperwork successful transportation with an Interpol Red Notice request.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service told Fox News Digital connected Wednesday that it is conducting a associated probe with Norfolk constabulary and referred further questions to the section arsenic the pb agency.

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An aerial presumption of buildings successful Hong Kong, China, connected July 4, 2025. (Paul Yeung/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security besides confirmed they were moving with section instrumentality enforcement.

The FBI told Fox News Digital successful a connection that the bureau is "unwavering successful its enactment of our section partners and volition leverage its afloat investigative and planetary capabilities to assistance guarantee those liable for convulsive crimes are held accountable — careless of wherever they effort to flee."

Police person not released a motive, saying the lawsuit remains nether progressive investigation.