Search Intensifies for Massachusetts Woman Following Husband’s Death

Federal law enforcement agencies have escalated their search for Karen Solomon, a Massachusetts woman known for advocating police officer mental health awareness. She is now a suspect in the death of her husband, off-duty Worcester police officer Kurt Solomon.

On Thursday, the search entered its third day after Worcester police responded to their Wildwood Avenue home early Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, officers discovered Kurt Solomon dead.

Karen Solomon has been a notable figure in mental health advocacy for police officers and their families. She co-founded First H.E.L.P., an organization dedicated to preventing suicide and supporting the mental health of first responders. She also authored two books detailing the impacts of police work on officers.

Her advocacy efforts led to her participation in a 2020 Justice Department hearing of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. During this hearing, she spoke about the importance of support for officers and their families.

First H.E.L.P. expressed sorrow regarding the officer’s death, stating, “Our first concern is for the officer who lost his life, his family, his colleagues, and the Worcester law-enforcement community.” They emphasized that their mission to support first responders remains unchanged.

Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier has warned that Karen Solomon should be regarded as armed and dangerous. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service, are assisting in the search.

The Worcester Police Department has described the case as “an act of domestic violence” without revealing how Officer Kurt Solomon died. District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. indicated information disclosure is limited due to state laws protecting domestic violence victim details.

“She’s a suspect with regards to this case,” Early Jr. said during a news conference. “We want her for questioning. She was at the house, and we’d ask her about what happened there.”

Police have released security footage showing Karen Solomon walking down the street in shorts and a T-shirt. They urged the public to stay vigilant via a Facebook post.

Neighbor Dan Wilson, who has lived across from the Solomons for 13 years, expressed shock. “You don’t see it coming,” he remarked. “It all feels very surreal.” Wilson recalled occasionally speaking with Karen Solomon and described the couple as “very kind people.”

Gabrielle Wilson, a member of a local Facebook group with Karen Solomon, noted, “It never crossed my mind that there may be something going on at home that would cause this tragedy.”

Kurt Solomon served as a patrol officer with the Worcester Police Department for over 30 years. The New England Police Benevolent Association remembered him as an “incredibly dependable officer, colleague, and friend.” They stated that his loss profoundly impacted the Worcester Police Department, NEPBA Local 911, and the association.

Union President Thomas Duffy II mentioned Kurt Solomon was nearing retirement. “He’s a tremendous person and tremendous police officer,” Duffy shared during a news conference.

Karen Solomon’s contributions to police mental health include two books: “Hearts Beneath the Badge” and “The Price They Pay.” She also published articles on law enforcement suicide through her work with First H.E.L.P.

Her advocacy earned her public recognition. According to a DOJ biography, she co-chaired the data and research committee of the National Consortium on Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention and spoke at government events about police suicide. MassLive.com reported her appearances on several talk shows, including a 2020 appearance on “Dr. Phil.”