Authorities announced Monday that Karen Solomon, the suspect in the killing of her police officer husband, was found dead six days after she disappeared from their Massachusetts home. Police believe the case to be a tragic murder-suicide.
Human remains were discovered near the Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital by two employees, and police recovered a female body, according to Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier. While a final identification is pending, authorities are confident the remains are those of Karen Solomon.
A handgun was found near the body, but it was not a service weapon belonging to the Worcester Police Department. Investigators are working to determine its owner.
Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon was found dead in the couple's home just before 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 18. Officials had named Karen Solomon, an advocate for police mental health awareness, as a suspect and stated she was believed to be armed. Officer Solomon, a 31-year veteran of the department, sustained fatal injuries from a sharp object.
Doorbell camera footage released the following day showed Karen Solomon walking down a street in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops, minutes after officers had arrived at the couple's residence. Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. indicated that Karen Solomon was present at the house on the morning of her husband's death. An arrest warrant issued over the weekend charged her with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
A widespread search effort involving local, state, and federal agencies had been underway, focusing on the area around the couple's home and a nearby reservoir. Drones, boats, and tracking dogs were deployed as part of the intensive search.
Karen Solomon, 58, was a co-founder of the group First H.E.L.P., which champions the mental well-being of police officers. She authored two books, "Hearts Beneath the Badge" and "The Price They Pay," detailing the physical and psychological challenges faced by first responders. In a 2020 appearance on the "Dr. Phil" show, she discussed the lack of support often provided by police departments to families of officers who have died by suicide.
In a statement read by Chief Saucier, the Solomon family expressed their gratitude to law enforcement for providing answers during a difficult time. "The nightmare of the past week has left our family heartbroken and rudderless," the family stated. "The compassion, dedication and empathy of all agencies involved have given us light in face of darkness."
A wake for Officer Kurt Solomon was scheduled for Tuesday, and his funeral for Wednesday. Thomas Duffy, president of the local police union, described Officer Solomon as "a tremendous human being" who was considered family by his colleagues.