The discovery ended a six-day search after veteran Worcester police Officer Kurt Solomon was found dead at the couple’s home.
WORCESTER, Mass. — Police believe a body found Monday in woods near a Worcester rehabilitation facility is that of Karen Solomon, who had been sought in connection with the death of her husband, longtime Worcester police Officer Kurt Solomon.
The discovery on Aug. 24 brought an end to an extensive search that began after Kurt Solomon, 57, was found dead Aug. 18 at the couple’s Wildwood Avenue home. Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said investigators now believe the deaths were a murder-suicide, although he stressed that important forensic work remains unfinished. The state medical examiner was expected to formally identify the body believed to be Karen Solomon, 58, and determine her cause and manner of death.
Police were called at about 12:49 p.m. Monday to an area near Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital on May Street after two employees reported seeing a body in the woods, Saucier said. Officers examining the area believed the remains were those of Karen Solomon. Investigators also recovered a handgun nearby. Saucier said the firearm was not Kurt Solomon’s police service weapon, and authorities were still working to determine its ownership.
Karen Solomon had been missing since the morning her husband was found dead. Police released surveillance footage showing her walking away from the area in casual clothing shortly after officers responded to the home. Investigators warned during the search that she could be armed. Authorities focused much of their effort around Coes Pond and surrounding wooded areas, deploying local, state and federal resources during the nearly weeklong search.
Police said Kurt Solomon suffered fatal injuries involving a sharp object, but authorities have not publicly identified the object or released a complete account of what occurred at the home. An arrest warrant had been issued for Karen Solomon on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. The warrant was issued before her body was found and before police publicly characterized the case as an apparent murder-suicide.
Saucier also clarified the department’s earlier description of the case as a domestic incident. He said the classification was based on Massachusetts law because the incident involved members of the same household and did not mean police had documented a history of abuse between the couple. The chief said authorities were not aware of any prior history of domestic abuse involving the Solomon family.
The wooded area where the body was discovered was about six-tenths of a mile from an area connected to surveillance footage investigators had been reviewing, according to police. Search crews had concentrated on Coes Pond and nearby land, using divers, police dogs and other resources as authorities worked to locate Karen Solomon. Saucier said the area near Fairlawn was expected to be included in an expanding search before the hospital employees made the discovery.
Kurt Solomon was a 31-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department and also had served in the military. Saucier described him before the search ended as a highly regarded officer and person who would be deeply missed. His obituary said he enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening and spending time outdoors and that he was the father of two sons.
Karen Solomon was known for advocacy involving the mental health of police officers, emergency workers and their families. She helped establish First H.E.L.P., an organization focused on first-responder mental health and suicide awareness, and wrote books dealing with the experiences of first responders. Her professional background drew additional attention to the case, but investigators have not publicly announced a motive for what happened and have cautioned that the investigation is not complete.
The Solomon family released a statement through Saucier after the body was found, describing the previous week as devastating and thanking the many agencies that participated in the search. The family also thanked people who offered condolences and support. Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista said the police department had worked around the clock under difficult circumstances and described Kurt Solomon as a valued member of the city who made a lasting impact during his 31 years of service.
A wake for Kurt Solomon was scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Police said the recovery of the body ended the search but not the investigation. Formal identification, medical examiner findings and remaining evidence will be needed before authorities can complete their final account of the two deaths.
Author note: Last updated August 25, 2026.