Navy reservist on active duty accused of murdering wife believed to have fled to Hong Kong

A Navy reservist on active duty accused of murdering his wife in Virginia is believed to have fled to Hong Kong, according to a federal affidavit filed by the FBI.

Investigators said 38-year-old David Varela left the country on or about Feb. 5, the same day police discovered his wife’s body inside a kitchen freezer at their Norfolk home in the 300 block of East Main Street.

Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria, 39, had been reported missing by her brother after he had not heard from her for more than two weeks.