Norfolk Local Briefing: Freezer Murder Case Widens, Shooting Injures Two, Arts Weekend Ahead

Local Headlines

Norfolk, VA – February 18, 2026 – Police track a fugitive in a freezer murder case, two people recover after a neighborhood shooting, and the arts scene lights up downtown.


Fugitive husband sought after wife’s body found in freezer

Norfolk police and federal investigators are widening their search for a man accused of killing his wife and fleeing the country. Court records say officers found the body of 39-year-old Lina Maria Guerra inside the kitchen freezer of the couple’s Norfolk home earlier this month. Her husband, 38-year-old David Varela, is charged with first-degree murder and concealing a body.

Investigators say Varela, a U.S. Navy reservist, boarded a flight to Hong Kong the same day police discovered Guerra’s body. A federal complaint now accuses him of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Authorities are working with international partners to locate and arrest him. Guerra’s relatives, who live outside Virginia, have spoken publicly about their shock and are preparing to travel to Norfolk for answers.

Norfolk officials say extradition could take time but stress that the case remains a priority. Anyone with information about Varela’s whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement.

Two injured in West 24th Street shooting

Police are also investigating a separate shooting that left two people hurt on West 24th Street. Officers were called to the area Monday night and found two victims who had been shot. Both were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive, according to investigators.

No arrests have been announced, and detectives are asking neighbors who heard or saw anything to come forward. The incident adds to concerns about gun violence in several Norfolk neighborhoods, though police say they believe this shooting was targeted.

City spotlights arts and Broadway-style shows

Despite public safety worries, Norfolk’s arts calendar is busy this week. Ballet Virginia’s ‘Heart and Soul’ performance is on stage at the Attucks Theatre tonight, offering a midweek option for dance lovers downtown.

Later this week, the touring production of ‘Chicago’ continues its run at Chrysler Hall, drawing theatergoers from across Hampton Roads. The engagement is part of the current Broadway in Norfolk lineup, which is scheduled to shift to the Harrison Opera House in coming seasons while Chrysler Hall undergoes a major renovation.

City leaders say the Broadway program and other performances are a key part of keeping downtown active and attracting visitors, even as long-planned construction work gets underway.

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