A mental health advocate and suspect in the death of her police officer husband was found dead on Monday, following her disappearance from her Massachusetts home. Karen Solomon, known for her advocacy for police mental health, disappeared soon after Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon was found dead at their residence on August 18.
Authorities suspected Karen Solomon in the death of her husband and considered her armed. Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier stated that the incident is believed to be a tragic murder-suicide.
Two employees at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital discovered human remains nearby, leading officers to recover a woman’s body. While final identification was pending, officials expressed confidence that it was Karen Solomon. A handgun found near her body is being examined to determine ownership, as it was not a Worcester police weapon.
On August 19, authorities released doorbell camera footage of Karen Solomon walking on a street in casual attire, minutes after the discovery of her husband’s body. Kurt Solomon, a veteran police officer with 31 years of service, suffered fatal injuries from a sharp object according to authorities.
The investigation revealed Karen Solomon was at the house on the morning of her husband’s death. An arrest warrant for her had been issued, charging her with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police distributed flyers with her photo and conducted a thorough search, involving local, state, and federal agencies near the couple’s home and nearby reservoir. Drones, boats, and tracking dogs were employed in the search effort.
Karen Solomon, 58, was the co-founder of First H.E.L.P., a group promoting mental health awareness for police officers. She authored two books, ‘Hearts Beneath the Badge’ and ‘The Price They Pay,’ exploring the challenges faced by first responders. In a 2020 interview, she voiced that police departments offer limited support to families of officers who die by suicide.
During a news conference, a statement from the Solomon family expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by law enforcement, acknowledging the heartbreak and uncertainty they faced during the past week. They commended the empathy and dedication of the agencies involved.
A wake for Kurt Solomon was scheduled for Tuesday, followed by his funeral on Wednesday. Thomas Duffy, local police union president, remembered Kurt Solomon as a ‘tremendous human being’ cherished by many.