The mysterious disappearance of a Massachusetts woman linked to her husband’s death reached a somber conclusion as authorities discovered her remains in the nearby woods.
During a press briefing on August 24, Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier described the incident as a “tragic murder-suicide.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts required to complete the investigation, stating, “We still have plenty of work to do, as far as wrapping up all the pieces.”
Karen Solomon, who was known for her advocacy for mental health among first responders, became the center of an urgent search. This followed the death of her husband, Kurt Solomon, a police officer, who was found lifeless in their backyard on August 18. He had sustained lethal wounds inflicted by a sharp object.
Authorities discovered traces of blood inside the residence, including the bathroom, as reported by dispatch audio obtained by CNN. Attempts to contact the number linked to the 911 call only led to Karen’s voicemail.
Adding to the mystery, the family’s SUV was also missing, and Karen’s whereabouts remained unknown until her tragic discovery.
“We want her for questioning,” District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said at the time. “She was at the house.”
Karen—who was presumed armed and dangerous—was last seen in the neighborhood that day wearing pajama shorts and a tank top, police said, later releasing updated Ring camera footage showing her walking in a T-shirt and shorts.
Three days after Kurt’s death, police announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for Karen, charging her with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
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“We will not stop until we find her,” Saucier said. “Kurt was a hell of a guy. He was an awesome police officer and an awesome person. He’s going to be truly missed.”
The pursuit ground to a halt on Aug. 24.
Two employees of a local rehabilitation hospital found the remains of a woman believed to be Karen in a wooded area in Worcester, Saucier said in a press conference. A handgun was found near her body.
“We believe this person to be Karen Solomon,” he said. “This is a preliminary identification…but we do believe it’s her.”
Karen, the author of two self-published books on post-traumatic stress disorder among police officers, founded the organization First H.E.L.P., to reduce mental health stigma for emergency workers.
“No words can adequately convey the depth of grief surrounding this tragedy,” First H.E.L.P. said in a statement. “We continue to hold the Solomon family, and all those whose lives have been forever changed, in our thoughts and prayers.”
The family called the previous week a “nightmare,” while saying local, state and federal agencies that assisted in the investigation “have given us light in the face of darkness.”