Search for Navy reservist after wife found dead

Authorities say Navy reservist David Varela was charged with first-degree murder after his wife, Lina Guerra, was found dead; investigators report location data placed Varela’s phone in Hong Kong and federal and international agencies have joined the search.

Authorities are conducting an international search for David Varela, a Navy reservist who was charged with first-degree murder on February 12. His wife, Lina Guerra, had been reported missing on February 4 and was later found dead in their Norfolk, Virginia, residence. Investigators say emergency disclosures of messaging data showed Varela’s phone pinging in Hong Kong. Local and federal agencies, including NCIS, the FBI, Homeland Security and Interpol, are reported to be involved. Developments: - David Varela, 38, was charged with first-degree murder on February 12. - Lina Guerra, 39, was reported missing on February 4 and a medical examiner later ruled her death a homicide on February 10. - Emergency disclosure requests for messaging data showed location pings for Varela’s phone in Hong Kong. - Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney and multiple federal and international agencies are working the case, and officials noted potential extradition complications with Hong Kong. Summary: The case has prompted cooperation across local, federal and international agencies and may involve legal complications if the suspect remains outside U.S. jurisdiction. Authorities report an active search is under way. Undetermined at this time.