A search is underway for Karen Solomon, days after her husband, Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon, was discovered dead in their home. Karen, 58, is wanted on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with her husband’s death, Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said Friday, August 21, according to MassLive.
Around 5:40 a.m. on August 18, officers found Kurt, 57, dead at the couple’s home on Wildwood Avenue in Worcester. Saucier said investigators believe that the fatal injuries were caused by a sharp object.
What we know about Karen Solomon
Karen was best known as the co-founder of First H.E.L.P., formerly known as Blue H.E.L.P., a nonprofit that tracks first responder suicides and provides support for their families. She has published at least two books, Hearts Beneath the Badge and The Price They Pay.
Over the past decade, Karen has appeared on at least six talk shows, podcasts and media programs to discuss law enforcement mental health and suicide prevention.
Karen, in interviews, often framed suicide and mental health as issues that land first on families’ doorsteps, including her own, which she said includes many first responders. She said during one podcast appearance that she was struck by how badly police departments treated officers who needed help, and “how poorly we treat the families after a suicide.”
“Having attempted suicide in my early 20s, I know what it’s like to be there,” she told the host, Wendy Hummel.
{{/usCountry}}“Having attempted suicide in my early 20s, I know what it’s like to be there,” she told the host, Wendy Hummel.
{{/usCountry}}Karen added that her husband was initially uneasy about her advocacy moving “into his space” and the spotlight, but later “adapted” and became supportive.
Karen was last seen in Worcester, Massachusetts, near 200 Mill St., close to Coes Pond, around 5:45 a.m. on August 18, police said. On Friday, August 21, city officials announced that Coes Pond, Coes Reservoir, Coes Park, Columbus Park, Knights of Columbus Park and Stearns Tavern are closed until further notice to allow authorities to search the area.
Worcester police told Boston 25 News on Sunday, August 23, that thunderstorms were hampering the search at Coes Pond, and that the pond’s murkiness made search efforts difficult.
Worcester Mayor Joe Petty shared a statement on social media honoring Kurt Solomon on Saturday, August 22. Kurt served the city as a patrolman for more than 30 years.
“Officer Solomon dedicated more than three decades of his life to serving and protecting our city, earning the respect of his fellow officers and our community. But Kurt was much more than the uniform he wore. He was a proud son of Worcester, a father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, and U.S. Army veteran. He grew up here, attended Gates Lane and South High, and ultimately devoted 31 years to the Worcester Police Department,” Petty wrote.
The investigation
Police dispatch recordings reviewed by MassLive indicate that Karen called police to the Solomons’ home. Officers who arrived reportedly saw blood on the side and back doors of the home. Repeated calls to Karen’s phone went unanswered.
A gray 2003 Toyota Highlander registered to the couple was also reported missing, and police issued an alert for the SUV.
Worcester police on August 19 shared security camera footage of Karen walking away from her home toward Wescott Street around 5:40 a.m. the previous day. She was last seen wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Police said that she may be armed, and people who see her should not approach her.
Coes Pond is located about a mile from the Solomons’ Wildwood Avenue home. Divers and K-9 units have been deployed. Authorities have used sonar and other technology and enlisted local, state and federal law enforcement to assist in the search.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early said that investigators do not know whether Karen was still in Worcester.
“Until we find her, we just don’t know,” he said.
An arrest warrant has now been issued for the mental health advocate, The Guardian reported.
Authorities have asked Worcester residents to cautiously check their properties for Karen. They have asked anyone who sees her or has information regarding her whereabouts to call detectives at 508-799-8651 or text “TipWPD” and a message to 274637.