Karen Solomon, wanted in connection with the death of her officer husband, believed to be found dead in woods, police say
Karen Solomon, Wanted in Officer’s Death, Found Dead
Goldlaner.com – Authorities in Worcester, Massachusetts, said Monday that Karen Solomon wanted in connection with the killing of her husband, a veteran police officer, was believed to have been found dead in a wooded area near the city. A firearm was discovered near her remains, and Worcester Police Department Chief Paul Saucier told reporters that investigators believe she took her own life.
Solomon had been wanted in connection with the killing since Tuesday, when Officer Kurt Solomon, 57, was discovered dead at the couple’s home. She faced charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury, Saucier stated at a Friday press briefing. At that time, the chief described her as armed and dangerous, though he noted that Kurt Solomon’s department-issued service weapon had not been taken from the residence. The officer’s wound involved a sharp object, a detail Saucier offered without elaboration, citing the ongoing investigation.
Dispatch Recordings Reveal the Morning Timeline
Worcester dispatch audio, obtained by CNN, provides a granular timeline of the early-morning response. At approximately 5:30 a.m., first responders were sent to the residence following a report of a man lying in the backyard. A responding officer later relayed that he observed “visible blood inside the building, inside the bathroom, in the back.”
The dispatcher identified the initial caller as a female resident of the home. When dispatchers attempted to reach her again, the voicemail greeting identified the number as belonging to Karen Solomon. Police have not publicly confirmed that she placed the 911 call. The audio captures dispatchers noting repeated attempts to reach the number with no answer. Shortly after, a gray 2023 Toyota Highlander registered to the homeowners was reported missing, triggering a be-on-the-lookout alert at roughly 6:19 a.m.
Doorbell Footage and the Discovery
Previously released doorbell-camera video shows Karen Solomon walking down a residential street in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops in the early hours of Tuesday morning, minutes after officers arrived at the home. Two workers at a nearby rehabilitation hospital reported finding her body approximately half a mile from the location where that footage was captured, Saucier said.
A Husband’s Legacy and a Family’s Grief
Kurt Solomon had served more than three decades with the Worcester Police Department before retiring from active duty, and was also an Army veteran. He was the father of two sons. His obituary described him as “a dedicated gardener who took pride in his vegetable garden,” noting that he regularly donated surplus produce to a local food bank. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, golf, and what the obituary called “simply sitting on his deck with a cup of coffee.”
The New England Benevolent Association, a law-enforcement labor organization, characterized him as “an incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend.” Fellow officers described him as “a hell of a guy” and “an awesome police officer and an awesome person.”
“The nightmare of the past week has left our family heartbroken and rudderless. The selflessness of those who have helped us weather the storm cannot be expressed in simple words.”
The family’s statement was read aloud by Saucier during the Monday news conference. A wake for Kurt Solomon was scheduled for Tuesday, with his funeral set for Wednesday, Saucier confirmed at the Friday briefing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Karen Solomon found? Officials said she was believed to have been found dead in a wooded area near Worcester, approximately half a mile from a residential street where doorbell-camera footage captured her earlier that morning.
What charges was she facing? Solomon was wanted in connection with the death of her husband and faced charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury, according to Chief Saucier.
What caused Officer Kurt Solomon’s death? Saucier stated the wound involved a sharp object but declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation. He characterized the incident as a “tragic murder-suicide.”
Was there a history of domestic abuse? No. Chief Saucier emphasized that there was no history of domestic abuse between the couple and stressed that the department continues to offer mental-health services to its members during this difficult period.
