Worcester woman still being sought in police death investigation

Warrant Issued for Missing Mental Health Advocate in Worcester Officer's Death

An arrest warrant has been issued for Karen Solomon, a 58-year-old mental health advocate who remains missing days after her husband, Worcester police officer Kurt Solomon, was found dead in their home. The case is being investigated as a murder-suicide, according to Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier.

Authorities said Karen Solomon was last seen early Tuesday morning, about 5:40 a.m., in a doorbell camera video near Coes Pond, wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. The search for her has included helicopters, drones, boats, divers, sonar, and tracking dogs, with public areas around Coes Pond, including Coes Pond Parks, Coes Reservoir, Columbus Park, Knights of Columbus Park, and Stearns Tavern, closed during the operation.

Details of the Case

Kurt Solomon, 57, a 31-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department and a U.S. Army veteran, was found dead at the couple's home on Wildwood Avenue on August 18. His death involved injuries from a sharp object, according to investigators. An autopsy confirmed his death was a homicide. The arrest warrant charges Karen Solomon with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with her husband's death.

A gray 2003 Toyota Highlander registered to the Solomons was reported missing on the day of Kurt Solomon's death. Police have said Karen Solomon may be armed and have urged the public not to approach her.

The body was found near 189 May St. in Worcester, about 1 to 1.5 miles from Coes Pond, according to some reports. However, other accounts place the location about 0.6 miles from where Karen Solomon was seen entering the water, and about a half-mile from where the doorbell camera footage was recorded. The exact distance remains a point of contention among different reports.

Background and Reactions

Karen Solomon was the co-founder and president of First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit focused on reducing mental health stigma among first responders and supporting surviving families. She wrote two books on police officer suicide and first responder mental health: "Hearts Beneath the Badge" and "The Price They Pay." She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and appeared on the "Dr. Phil" television show in 2020 to discuss suicide stigma in law enforcement. In a podcast interview, she disclosed that she had attempted suicide in her early 20s.

According to Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier, there was no history of domestic abuse in the Solomon family. Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said Karen Solomon had been at the house on the morning of her husband's death and investigators wanted to question her.

Police dispatch recordings reviewed by MassLive indicated that Karen Solomon called police to the couple's home, and that officers saw blood on the side and back doors. The accuracy of these recordings has not been independently confirmed.

The Solomon family released a statement through Chief Saucier thanking law enforcement and describing the past week as a nightmare. First H.E.L.P. also issued a statement thanking the public for support and saying it would not comment further on the investigation.

Kurt Solomon was survived by two sons, Niklas and Brandon, his mother Shirley, and his brothers Karl and Eric. His obituary described him as an avid golfer, fisherman, and gardener. A wake was scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, and his funeral for Wednesday, August 26.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty said he would personally miss Officer Solomon's caring personality and warm smile. Police union president Thomas Duffy described Kurt Solomon as "a tremendous human being" and said he was like family. The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) said Kurt Solomon demonstrated "extraordinary commitment" to the community and law enforcement profession.

Chief Saucier said at a news conference on Friday that crews were still actively searching the Coes Reservoir area. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.