Authorities in Worcester, Massachusetts, said Monday that a body found in wooded areas near a rehabilitation hospital is believed to be Karen Solomon, who had been wanted after her husband’s death. A handgun was found near the body, and investigators said preliminary evidence indicated a gunshot wound. Police described the case as a suspected murder-suicide, while stressing that the identification and investigation remain incomplete. Karen Solomon’s husband, Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon, was found dead inside the couple’s home on Aug. 18.
The discovery ended a weeklong search involving local, state and federal agencies. Officials said the medical examiner must still formally confirm the woman’s identity, and they have not released Kurt Solomon’s cause or manner of death.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Discovery in Worcester woods |
| 2) | Search follows officer’s death |
| 3) | Police outline preliminary theory |
| 4) | Family and colleagues respond |
| 5) | Investigation remains open |
Discovery in Worcester woods
Two employees of Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital found the body at about 12:40 p.m. Monday while walking near the facility in Worcester. Police Chief Paul Saucier said investigators preliminarily believe the woman is Karen Solomon, 58. The final identification must be confirmed by the medical examiner.
A handgun was recovered near the body. Chief Saucier said it was not a service weapon. Police also reported preliminary evidence of a gunshot wound, but officials did not say when the woman died. No reports of a gunshot were received Monday, according to the chief.
Search follows officer’s death
The discovery came six days after Kurt Solomon was found dead inside the couple’s Wildwood Avenue home. Police responded at about 5:28 a.m. on Aug. 18 after receiving a report of a person down and found the off-duty Worcester officer inside the residence.
Karen Solomon had been missing since the discovery and was sought as a person investigators wanted to question. Authorities warned that she might be armed and dangerous. The body was found about 0.6 miles from an area where police had released video showing her walking behind an animal clinic.
Police outline preliminary theory
Investigators had been searching the Coes Pond area and park from the first day of the case. The area covers approximately 90 acres, making the search extensive. Police have released few details about what occurred inside the home because the investigation is still underway.
Chief Saucier said authorities now believe the deaths represent a tragic murder-suicide, with the woman believed to have died by suicide. He emphasized that this remains a preliminary assessment. The case was described as domestic under Massachusetts law because the people involved were family or household members, while police said the family had no known history of domestic abuse.
“Upon further examination, we believe this person to be Karen Solomon,” Chief Paul Saucier said, while stressing that the identification was preliminary.
Family and colleagues respond
The Solomon family said the events of the previous week had left them “heartbroken and rudderless.” In a statement read by Chief Saucier, relatives thanked local, state and federal agencies involved in the search and investigation.
“The compassion, dedication and empathy of all the agencies involved have given us light in face of darkness,” the family said. “You have given us comfort knowing that you were working on our behalf for us.”
Kurt Solomon was identified by a police labor association as a 31-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department. The association described him as an incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend, and said his service and dedication would not be forgotten.
Investigation remains open
Authorities have not disclosed the cause and manner of Kurt Solomon’s death. Public records indicate that Kurt and Karen Solomon co-owned the Wildwood Avenue residence, and a 2016 bankruptcy filing identified Karen Solomon as his wife.
The medical examiner’s confirmation, additional forensic work and investigators’ review of evidence will determine the final findings. Police have not announced when the investigation will be completed or whether further details will be released.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A woman’s body was found Monday near Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital in Worcester. |
| 2 | Police preliminarily believe the body is that of 58-year-old Karen Solomon. |
| 3 | A handgun was found nearby, but officials said it was not a service weapon. |
| 4 | Her husband, Officer Kurt Solomon, was found dead at home on Aug. 18. |
| 5 | Authorities continue investigating and have not released the officer’s cause or manner of death. |
Summary
Worcester police believe the body found in city woods is that of Karen Solomon, who had been missing since her husband, Officer Kurt Solomon, was found dead at their home. The preliminary identification and suspected murder-suicide conclusion remain subject to confirmation and further investigation. Officials have urged caution while forensic and medical examiner processes continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was found dead at the Worcester home?
Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon, a 31-year department veteran, was found dead inside the couple’s Wildwood Avenue residence on Aug. 18.
Where was Karen Solomon’s body found?
It was found in wooded areas near Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital in Worcester, about 0.6 miles from a location connected to police video of her movements.
What has police said about the case?
Police said they preliminarily believe the case was a murder-suicide and that Karen Solomon died by suicide, but the identification and broader investigation remain ongoing.
