Norfolk Daily: Manhunt, Neighborhood Shooting, and Big-Name Theater in Town
Norfolk, VA – February 21, 2026 – Police intensify a homicide manhunt, two recover after a neighborhood shooting, and ‘Chicago’ lights up downtown.
International manhunt after woman found in downtown freezer
Norfolk police and federal agents are still searching for 38-year-old Navy reservist David Varela after his wife, Lina Maria Guerra Echavarria, was found dead inside a freezer at the couple’s apartment in the Icon Building on East Main Street.
Guerra was reported missing in early February when family members could not reach her for more than two weeks. Officers discovered her body on February 5 during a search of the home, and the medical examiner later ruled the case a homicide.
Investigators say Varela left the United States on or around the day of the discovery and is believed to have traveled to Hong Kong, despite having no known ties there. He faces state charges of first-degree murder and concealing a dead body, along with a federal charge tied to fleeing to avoid prosecution.
Local, federal, and military authorities continue to coordinate on the case. Officials are urging anyone with information about Varela’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
Two injured in West 24th Street shooting
Separately, Norfolk police are investigating a shooting on West 24th Street that left two people injured earlier this week. Officers responded after reports of gunfire in the residential area.
Both victims were taken to a hospital and are expected to recover, according to initial updates from authorities. No arrests had been announced in the immediate aftermath, and detectives are working to determine what led up to the violence.
Neighbors reported a heavy police presence as officers documented the scene and canvassed for witnesses and video. Police are asking residents who may have camera footage from the area to come forward.
‘Chicago’ brings Broadway energy to Norfolk
On a brighter note for the weekend, the national tour of the musical ‘Chicago’ is in Norfolk for a limited run. The long-running Broadway hit, known for its jazz-era score and sharp choreography, is scheduled for performances in the city from February 20 through February 22.
The tour stop is expected to draw crowds downtown, adding to restaurant and nightlife traffic around the Scope and surrounding venues. City tourism officials have been encouraging residents to pair a show with visits to nearby local businesses.
With a high-profile crime story still unfolding and neighborhood gun violence under investigation, the arrival of a major touring production offers a brief cultural boost as Norfolk heads into the rest of February.
Sources
https://www.fox6now.com/news/navy-reservist-accused-murdering-wife-believed-have-fled-hong-kong
https://people.com/missing-woman-found-dead-freezer-husband-allegedly-fled-hong-kong-11908011
https://www.aol.com/articles/missing-woman-found-dead-freezer-222209977.html
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/norfolk-shooting-on-west-24th-street-leaves-2-injured/291-9adf55ee-1d7b-4ca0-8f42-4dbe6b0f646c
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/norfolk-shooting-on-west-24th-street-leaves-2-injured/ar-AA1Wuc99
https://chicagoontour.com/
