Family Struggles to Retrieve Ashes of Woman Allegedly Murdered by Husband

Lina M. Guerra Echavarria's relatives in Colombia say they have been unable to access her remains after she was found dead in her Norfolk home freezer.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged household item, such as a broken lock or damaged kitchen appliance, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of an alleged domestic crime.The grim aftermath of an alleged domestic homicide leaves a family grappling with unanswered questions and bureaucratic hurdles to retrieve their loved one's remains.Norfolk Today

The family of Lina M. Guerra Echavarria, a 39-year-old Virginia woman allegedly murdered by her husband David Varela, said they have been unable to retrieve her ashes or personal belongings since the incident in February. Varela has been charged with murder but has not been arrested, as authorities believe he fled the country. Echavarria's relatives in Colombia expressed their grief and frustration at the difficulties they have faced in trying to bring her remains home and get justice for her death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by families when a loved one is allegedly killed by a spouse who then evades law enforcement. It also underscores the complexities of navigating legal and bureaucratic processes across international borders during a time of profound loss.

The details

According to an arrest affidavit, Echavarria was reported missing by her brother on Feb. 2, and her body was found inside a freezer in the kitchen of her Norfolk home on Feb. 5. Her death was ruled a homicide. Varela, her 38-year-old husband, was charged with her murder, but he has not been arrested as authorities believe he fled the country. Echavarria's family in Colombia said they have struggled to communicate with the funeral home and retrieve her remains, as well as her personal belongings and information about the fate of her dogs.

  • Echavarria was reported missing by her brother on Feb. 2, 2026.
  • Echavarria's body was found in her Norfolk home freezer on Feb. 5, 2026.
  • Varela was charged with Echavarria's murder on Feb. 12, 2026.

The players

Lina M. Guerra Echavarria

A 39-year-old Virginia resident who was allegedly murdered by her husband and found dead in her home freezer.

David Varela

Echavarria's 38-year-old husband who has been charged with her murder but has not been arrested, as authorities believe he fled the country.

Paola Ramirez

Echavarria's sister-in-law, who spoke on behalf of the family in Colombia about their struggles to retrieve her remains and belongings.

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What they’re saying

“We have tried to communicate with the funeral home there, but from here it is a little complicated. We want them brought here, so we can hold a ceremony for her.”

— Paola Ramirez, Echavarria's sister-in-law

“Sometimes we sit and talk and wonder what his life is like — whether he can sleep, whether he is living normally as if nothing happened.”

— Paola Ramirez, Echavarria's sister-in-law

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to search for Varela, who they believe may have fled to Hong Kong. The family in Colombia is working to navigate the legal and bureaucratic processes to retrieve Echavarria's remains and belongings.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the immense challenges faced by families when a loved one is allegedly killed by a spouse who then evades law enforcement. It highlights the need for improved support and resources to help grieving families navigate complex legal and logistical hurdles, especially when dealing with international jurisdictions.