Husband Charged in Death of Norfolk Woman Lina Guerra

Zak Holden

Feb 21, 2026 - 12:07

Feb 21, 2026 - 12:08

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Husband Charged in Death of Norfolk Woman Lina Guerra

Norfolk police now believe Lina Guerra, the 39-year-old woman found dead nearly a week after she was reported missing, was killed by her husband, David Varela. Guerra’s death was ruled a homicide on Wednesday. Her family confirmed to News 3 that Guerra and Varela, 38, were married.

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk police have charged David Varela, 38, with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Lina Guerra, 39.

Guerra was found dead Tuesday inside a residence in the 300 block of East Main Street. Authorities later ruled her death a homicide following an autopsy.

Police confirmed Thursday that Varela has been charged but is not currently in custody.

Guerra had been reported missing on February 4, after her family in Colombia said they had not heard from her since January 16 — an unusual break in contact, as relatives say she communicated with them daily.

Family members told News 3 that Varela informed them Guerra had been arrested for shoplifting and sentenced to five years in prison. He allegedly sent relatives a photo appearing to show Guerra in an orange jumpsuit during a jail visit. However, court records show Guerra was never charged with or convicted of shoplifting.

Relatives described Varela as jealous and controlling. Paola Ramirez, who is married to Guerra’s brother, told News 3 through a translator that Guerra had previously experienced violence in the relationship but did not disclose it to family because she did not want to worry them.

Ramirez described Guerra as “the pillar of our family,” calling her loving, hardworking and deeply devoted to others. A neighbor said Guerra was kind and cared deeply for her three dogs.

The couple met in Miami in 2015 while working at a restaurant. Varela later joined the U.S. Navy, according to family members. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) confirmed it is assisting Norfolk police with the investigation. The couple moved to Virginia approximately two years ago due to Varela’s military assignment.