Worcester police say Karen Solomon, wanted in officer's death, found dead after search

Police in Worcester, Massachusetts confirmed that Karen Solomon, 58, was found dead after an extensive search that began after her husband, Officer Kurt Solomon, was discovered dead at their Wildwood Avenue home early Tuesday. Solomon had been listed as a person of interest and was described as "presumed to be armed and dangerous" before she disappeared while walking in the area in pajama shorts and a tank top.

Two employees from Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital reported finding a body in the woods near Mill Street and Coes Pond on Monday afternoon, leading to the discovery of Solomon's remains. A firearm was recovered near the body, and police indicated the incident appears to be a murder-suicide, though the cause of Officer Solomon's death has not been released.

Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said, >"At no time did the Solomon family have any history of domestic abuse. I want to make myself absolutely clear, at this point that has nothing to do with this case. We believe this case is a tragic murder-suicide that occurred and we still have plenty of work to do as far as wrapping up all the pieces to this," and noted that federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service, assisted in the search.

The Solomon family issued a statement expressing grief and gratitude for the agencies involved, thanking responders for their support during the investigation.

Karen Solomon was the founder of First H.E.L.P., an organization focused on mental-health resources for first responders, and had previously spoken publicly about supporting police officers in crisis. Officer Kurt Solomon had served the Worcester Police Department for 31 years and was nearing retirement, according to the local police union.