Wife sought following Massachusetts cop's death believed to have been found dead: Police
A woman who had been sought in connection with the death of her husband, a Massachusetts police officer, is believed to have been found dead, police said Monday, calling the case a "tragic murder-suicide."
A search had been ongoing for Karen Solomon, 58, after her husband -- 57-year-old Worcester Police Department Patrolman Kurt Solomon -- was found dead in a home last week.
Two people found the body while walking in a wooded area in Worcester on Monday, police said.
"Upon further examination, we believe this person to be Karen Solomon," Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said at a press briefing on Monday.
A handgun was found near the body, which is awaiting official identification, he said. It is unclear when the death occurred, though police confirmed that there were no reports of a gunshot in the area on Monday.
"We believe this case is a tragic murder-suicide that occurred, and we still have plenty of work to do as far as wrapping up all the pieces to this," Saucier said.
Kurt Solomon, a 31-year police veteran and father of two, was found dead inside a home on Aug. 18. Police said that the nature of his injuries was a "sharp object," and his service weapon was not missing.
An arrest warrant on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon with serious bodily injury had been issued for Karen Solomon, police said Friday amid the search for her.
Karen Solomon was the founder of First HELP, a first responder suicide prevention non-profit. The group helps officers dealing with mental health situations and raises awareness for suicide prevention for first responders and their families.
In a statement read by Saucier, the Solomon family said, "The nightmare of the past week has left our family heartbroken and rudderless."
"The compassion, dedication and empathy of all agencies involved have given us light in the face of darkness. The selflessness of those who have helped us weather the storm cannot be expressed in simple words," the statement continued, thanking all those involved in the case.
"You men and women have taken time out of your lives to help us find answers, if there ever will be any," the family said.
ABC News' Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
