Who was Kurt Solomon? All about Worcester Police Officer found dead as manhunt underway for wife: ‘Hell of a guy’
A manhunt is underway for a woman days after her husband, Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon, was discovered dead in their home. Karen Solomon, 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.
Who was Kurt Solomon?
Kurt served the city as a patrolman for more than 30 years. Worcester Mayor Joe Petty shared a statement on social media honoring Kurt on Saturday, August 22.
“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. “I will personally miss Officer Solomon’s caring personality and the warm smile with which he always greeted me at City Council meetings. Those small interactions spoke to the kind of person he was and will be greatly missed.”
He added, “Our hearts are with his sons, family, friends, neighbors, and the entire Worcester Police Department as they grieve this tremendous loss. As the investigation continues, we ask our community to respect the privacy of Officer Solomon’s family and allow law enforcement to do its work. Today, our focus remains on supporting those who are grieving and honoring a man who gave so much of his life to Worcester. On behalf of a grateful city, we thank Officer Solomon for his dedicated service to our country, our city, and our community. May he rest in peace.”
“Kurt was a hell of a guy,” Saucier said, per The Guardian. “He was an awesome police officer and an awesome person, and he’s going to be truly missed.”
A wake will be held on Tuesday, August 25, and his funeral on Wednesday, August 26, the chief added.
Where is 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 was last seen in Worcester, Massachusettsnear 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.
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.”
Karen added that her husband was initially uneasy about her advocacy moving “into his space” and the spotlight, but later “adapted” and became supportive.
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.
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.
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.
