Norfolk Daily: Freezer Homicide Manhunt, City Service Upgrades, Big Week for the Arts
Norfolk, VA — February 17, 2026 — International manhunt in freezer homicide, new city service tools, and a Broadway classic set to light up downtown.
Norfolk Daily Briefing
Norfolk, VA — February 17, 2026 — Here’s a quick look at the biggest local stories shaping the city today.
International manhunt after wife found in freezer
Norfolk authorities are working with federal and international partners to track down a man accused of killing his wife and hiding her body in a freezer at their downtown apartment.
Investigators say the victim, Lina Guerra, was reported missing by family earlier this month. A search of the couple’s home led officers to her body inside a kitchen freezer. Her husband, David Varela, is charged with first-degree murder and concealing a body.
According to court documents, federal investigators believe Varela left the United States and may now be in Hong Kong. He is also facing a federal charge related to fleeing to avoid prosecution. Norfolk police and federal agencies continue to coordinate as the search expands overseas.
MyNorfolk, Waste Wizard spotlight city services
City Hall is putting extra attention on its digital tools that help residents handle everyday needs without a phone call or office visit.
The MyNorfolk app and website allow residents to request more than 100 services, from bulk trash pickup and pothole reports to sidewalk concerns. Officials note that requests can be submitted 24/7, with work handled during normal business hours.
Norfolk is also promoting its Waste Wizard tool, which lets people look up how to properly dispose of specific items and whether they belong in recycling, trash, or a special collection. The goal is to cut contamination in recycling carts and make it easier to keep neighborhoods clean.
‘Chicago’ and a busy week for the performing arts
Downtown will have plenty of stage lights this week as major productions arrive in Norfolk.
Broadway’s long-running hit “Chicago” is set for a three-day run at Chrysler Hall from February 20–22, bringing a full-scale touring production of the Jazz Age musical to St. Paul’s Boulevard. Multiple performances are scheduled across the weekend.
Ahead of that, local audiences can also catch other ticketed performances, including a Ballet Virginia program at the Attucks Theatre. With several shows clustered over just a few days, parking and restaurant traffic around the venues are expected to be busier than usual.
Sources
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/man-accused-killing-lina-guerra-213136386.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/docs-man-charged-norfolk-murder-221614793.html
- https://www.people.com/missing-woman-found-dead-freezer-husband-allegedly-fled-hong-kong-11908011
- https://www.norfolk.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?ARC=mrszokqcfg
- https://www.norfolk.gov/FAQ.aspx?FID=49&NID=3208
- https://ghentsquare.net/city-services/
- https://www.visitnorfolk.com/event/chicago-the-musical-2/
- https://broadwayshow.tickets/city/norfolk/
