KAREN SOLOMON FOUND DEAD AFTER WEEKLONG SEARCH FOLLOWING HUSBAND’S DEATH

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS — The search for Karen Solomon, 58, has ended after police found a body believed to be hers in a wooded area near Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, days after her husband, veteran Worcester police officer Kurt Solomon, was found dead at their home.

Police Chief Paul Saucier said investigators currently believe the case was a murder-suicide, although the medical examiner still has to formally confirm the woman’s identity and determine the official cause and manner of death.

THE SEARCH ENDED MONDAY

Two employees walking near Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital discovered a body in the woods shortly before 1 p.m. Monday.

Investigators found a handgun near the body. Police said it was not Kurt Solomon’s service weapon, and authorities were still determining its ownership.

The discovery came after a major multi-agency search that involved Worcester police, Massachusetts State Police and federal agencies.

Karen had been missing since Aug. 18, when police responded to a medical emergency at the couple’s home and found Kurt dead.

KURT SOLOMON HAD SERVED 31 YEARS

Kurt Solomon, 57, was a longtime member of the Worcester Police Department, having served for 31 years.

Police initially released surveillance footage showing Karen leaving the area near their home. Authorities later issued an arrest warrant and warned that she should be considered armed and dangerous.

Investigators have not publicly released every detail surrounding Kurt’s death.

A STARTLING CONTRAST

Karen was known not only as a police officer’s wife but also as a prominent mental-health advocate for first responders.

She co-founded First H.E.L.P., an organization focused on supporting law-enforcement officers and their families, and wrote books addressing the challenges faced by police personnel.

Her public work makes the circumstances particularly difficult for those who knew her.

POLICE SAY THERE WAS NO KNOWN HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Chief Saucier specifically addressed speculation surrounding the couple’s relationship.

He said there was no known history of domestic abuse involving the Solomons and emphasized that investigators currently believe the case represents a tragic murder-suicide rather than an incident preceded by a documented pattern of domestic violence.

That assessment remains part of an ongoing investigation.

THEIR FAMILY IS NOW FACING AN UNIMAGINABLE LOSS

Kurt and Karen’s family released a statement expressing gratitude to the numerous agencies that participated in the search.

The couple’s two adult sons have now lost both parents in the same devastating week.

Police have said the investigation is continuing, and the medical examiner’s findings will be important in establishing the official circumstances surrounding Karen’s death.

THE CASE NOW LEAVES ONE FAMILY SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

A veteran police officer was found dead inside his home.

His wife disappeared shortly afterward, triggering a massive search.

Six days later, she was found dead in nearby woods with a handgun beside her.

Authorities believe the two deaths were connected — but the complete circumstances behind what happened inside the Solomon home remain under investigation