Husband charged with murder of Norfolk woman

Police say Lina Guerra was killed by her husband David Varela, who is not in custody

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Norfolk police have charged 38-year-old David Varela with the first-degree murder of his 39-year-old wife Lina Guerra, whose body was discovered in their apartment on Tuesday. Guerra's family says Varela was a jealous and controlling husband who would not let her work, have friends, study or go out alone. Varela is not currently in police custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues of domestic violence and the challenges victims can face in abusive relationships. Guerra's family says Varela's controlling behavior escalated to the point of murder, underscoring the need for greater awareness and support services to protect vulnerable individuals in these situations.

The details

According to police, Guerra's death was ruled a homicide on Wednesday. Her body was found in the couple's apartment in the Icon building in Norfolk. Guerra's family says she and Varela met in Miami in 2015 when she was working as a waitress and he was a cook. Varela then joined the U.S. Navy, though the Navy did not directly confirm his service to News 3. The family says Varela was a jealous and controlling husband who would not let Guerra work, have friends, study or go out alone.

  • Guerra was reported missing nearly a week before her body was discovered on Tuesday.
  • Guerra's death was ruled a homicide on Wednesday.

The players

Lina Guerra

A 39-year-old woman who was killed by her husband in Norfolk.

David Varela

A 38-year-old man charged with the first-degree murder of his wife Lina Guerra. He is currently not in police custody.

Paola Ramirez

Guerra's sister-in-law who lives in Colombia and spoke to News 3 through a translator.

NCIS

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service that is assisting Norfolk police in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Lina was the pillar of our family. She put others above herself. She was very loved and adventurous, hardworking, very humble.”

— Paola Ramirez, Guerra's sister-in-law (News 3)

“She was empathetic, loving, and always worried about others.”

— Paola Ramirez, Guerra's sister-in-law (News 3)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow David Varela out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and support services to protect victims of domestic violence, as Lina Guerra's family says her husband's controlling behavior tragically escalated to murder.