Executive Summary
- Navy reservist David Varela is accused of murdering his wife in Norfolk, VA.
- Authorities believe Varela has fled to Hong Kong.
- The extradition treaty between the U.S. and Hong Kong was suspended in 2020.
- NCIS is monitoring the case due to potential intelligence concerns.
A manhunt for a U.S. Navy reservist charged with the murder of his wife in Norfolk, Virginia, has stalled following reports that the suspect has fled to Hong Kong, a jurisdiction where a suspended extradition treaty presents significant legal obstacles for American authorities. The suspect, David Varela, is accused of killing his wife, Lina Guerra, before departing the country.
According to an emergency disclosure document obtained by law enforcement, investigators believe Varela is currently located in Hong Kong. The Norfolk Police Department is leading the criminal investigation, with a Navy public affairs officer confirming to 13News Now that the military branch is fully cooperating with local, state, and federal agencies to locate the reservist.
Legal experts emphasize that Varela’s presence in Hong Kong introduces a complex layer of geopolitical difficulty. Ed Booth, a legal analyst, stated that the extradition treaty between the United States and Hong Kong was suspended in 2020. Booth explained that this suspension leaves a diplomatic void, noting that while murder is illegal in both jurisdictions, there is currently no operative treaty to facilitate mutual extradition.
The involvement of a service member has also drawn the attention of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Varela, who enlisted in 2007 and has served in at least six states, may possess sensitive information. Booth suggested that the potential exposure of U.S. Navy operational knowledge to a foreign government could heighten federal interest in the apprehension. “Anyone who would have first-hand knowledge of an asset belonging to the United States Navy… would at least stand to reason to raise the government’s concern a little bit,” Booth noted.
Norfolk police have stated that further information will be released as it becomes available. In the event authorities successfully return Varela to Virginia, Booth noted that evidence of flight is commonly considered by juries when weighing guilt.
International Legal & Diplomatic Ramifications
The pursuit of David Varela underscores the practical challenges law enforcement agencies face when domestic criminal cases intersect with strained international relations. With the formal extradition treaty suspended, U.S. officials may be forced to rely on alternative diplomatic channels or immigration enforcement mechanisms within Hong Kong to secure the suspect’s return. This case serves as a notable example of how geopolitical shifts can directly impede the procedural steps of local justice systems.
It is important to note that all individuals, including David Varela, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
