US Navy reservist suspected of fleeing to HK after killing wife

US authorities are tracking a Navy reservist suspected of fleeing to Hong Kong after his wife was found dead in a kitchen freezer. 

David Varela, 38, is accused of the first-degree murder of Lina Guerra, 39, whose body was discovered by police on February 5 during a welfare check at their Norfolk, Virginia apartment.

Federal investigators believe Varela boarded a flight to Hong Kong on the same day his wife's body was discovered. Metadata from WhatsApp messages later placed his location within the city.

While Varela has family in Colombia, he reportedly has no known connections to Hong Kong. Officials believe he chose the destination to exploit the suspended extradition treaty between the United States and the special administrative region.

The victim’s brother reported Guerra missing on February 4 after losing contact with her in mid-January. During the period she was missing, Varela allegedly lied to her family, claiming she had been arrested for shoplifting and even sending a fake photo of her in a jail jumpsuit.

Family members described Varela as a jealous and controlling husband who had restricted Guerra’s social life and previously committed acts of violence against her. They expressed shock at the discovery, noting he often presented himself as a pious and mild-mannered individual.

Norfolk Police are working with the FBI and NCIS to locate the suspect. Legal experts note that the lack of an active extradition agreement, suspended in 2020 due to geopolitical tensions, complicates the manhunt.

Despite these hurdles, authorities remain hopeful that international cooperation through Interpol may eventually lead to his return. Varela currently faces charges of murder and concealment of a dead body.