The family of a Virginia woman who was allegedly murdered by her husband say they have been unable to access her ashes weeks after her body was discovered in a freezer inside her home.

Lina M. Guerra Echavarria, 39, was reported missing by her brother on Feb. 2 in Norfolk, according to an arrest affidavit. On Feb. 5, investigators found her body inside a freezer in the kitchen. Authorities ruled her death a homicide.

Her husband, 38-year-old David Varela, has been charged with murder. He has not been arrested, and investigators believe he fled the country shortly after Echavarria’s death.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, have assisted in the investigation. According to the arrest affidavit, Homeland Security Investigations indicated that Varela may have traveled to Hong Kong.

Echavarria’s family, who live in Colombia, say the ongoing investigation and distance have made it difficult to obtain her remains and make funeral arrangements.

“We have tried to communicate with the funeral home there, but from here it is a little complicated,” her sister-in-law, Paola Ramirez, told WTKR through a translator. “We want them brought here, so we can hold a ceremony for her.”

Ramirez said language barriers and international logistics have slowed communication with officials and the funeral home, leaving the family without access to Echavarria’s ashes.

The family also said they have struggled to recover her personal belongings and get clear information about her pets. According to WTKR, relatives were told that one of her dogs may have died, though details remain unclear.

Relatives have also raised concerns about Varela’s behavior prior to Echavarria’s disappearance. They described him as jealous and said he gave them misleading information about her whereabouts.

According to the family, Varela claimed Echavarria had been arrested for shoplifting and sent a photo of her in an orange jumpsuit to support that claim. However, WTKR reported that court records show she had never been charged with or convicted of such an offense.

Echavarria was last seen in late January. After she was reported missing, investigators located her body on Feb. 5. Authorities charged Varela with murder on Feb. 12.

He remains at large.

“Sometimes we sit and wonder what his life is like — whether he can sleep, whether he is living normally as if nothing happened,” Ramirez said. “We want justice.”

Authorities have not provided an update on efforts to locate Varela. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement.