Worcester chief: Body of Karen Solomon found in woods near hospital, reservoir
Senior Digital Editor/Producer, WCVB.com
WORCESTER, Mass. —
A body that Worcester, Massachusetts, police believe is that of Karen Solomon was found in a wooded area near a medical facility Monday afternoon, Worcester police Chief Paul Saucier said.
On Aug. 18, Worcester police Patrolman Kurt Solomon, 57, was found dead in his Wildwood Avenue home. A warrant was issued the next day for his wife, Karen Solomon, on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
Where was the body believed to be Karen Solomon found?
Saucier said Monday that two Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital workers out for a walk just before 1 p.m. found the body in a wooded area off May Street in Worcester. They then contacted law enforcement.
“Two people who worked at Fairlawn Rehab observed a deceased body in the woods. Upon further examination, we believe this person to be Karen Solomon,” Saucier said. “In addition, in the surrounding area, we did locate a handgun in the area of the body.”
The gun is not Kurt Solomon’s police gun, Saucier said.
The hospital is a short distance from Coes Reservoir, which was the primary focus of the search since last Tuesday. Divers were actively searching the reservoir Monday afternoon.
The search around the reservoir prompted the city to close several nearby recreational areas, including the Columbus Park boardwalk, playground and Stearns Tavern.
Solomon family releases statement
In a written statement read by Saucier, the Solomon family thanked first responders and the community for their support.
“The nightmare of the past week has left our family heartbroken and rudderless. The compassion, dedication and empathy of all agencies involved have given us light in the face of darkness,” Saucier read. “The selflessness of those who have helped us weather the storm cannot be expressed in simple words.”
Saucier said while the incident is considered a domestic incident, there was no history of domestic violence in the family.
“We believe this case is a tragic murder-suicide that occurred, and we still have plenty of work to do,” Saucier said.
Video: Family, Worcester police react to Karen Solomon case
The incident and subsequent investigation has also taken a toll on Kurt Solomon’s fellow officers in the department.
“It’s been very difficult on the department and it will continue to be. Now that we have somewhat closure, this is really when it’s going to affect the men and women of the police department,” Saucier said. “We do have things in place for mental health wellness for the officers to take advantage of, and we’re hoping everyone does that because it’s been very difficult.”
Solomon had 31 years with the Worcester Police Department and leaves behind two adult sons.
Worcester Police Patrolman Kurt Solomon
When are Kurt Solomon’s wake and funeral?
A wake for Kurt Solomon will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of the Angels Church on Main Street in Worcester.
A funeral at the church is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday.