A Lawrence woman, missing since Saturday, was found dead in Haverhill Tuesday night following a search and a 35-year-old man is under arrest.
Thirty-seven-year-old Carol Flaz-Burgos was last seen leaving her Lawrence Broadway home Saturday morning at 9. During a press conference Tuesday night, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said police searched her apartment and building and were later joined by Massachusetts State Police detectives.
“Unfortunately, we have a sad ending to report. The body of Carol Flaz was discovered this evening, early this evening, in Haverhill. We made an identification and we met with the family earlier…,” Tucker said. The district attorney said Cristian Montero was taken into custody, charged with witness intimidation, misleading an investigation. Once the state medical examiner’s office completes its autopsy, Tucker said, the charges may be upgraded to murder.
Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña, Lawrence Acting Police Chief Melix Bonilla and Haverhill Police Chief Robert P. Pistone all offered condolences to the family. Pistone said his department had been working with Lawrence and State Police and District Attorney Tucker’s office for the last few days and the missing woman was found during the afternoon in the Kenoza Lake conservation area. He described the situation as a “tragic event,” but noted no one believes the death was a random act and there is no continuing danger to the community.
The search caught the attention of residents who observed the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing conducting an aerial search. Tucker said the woman’s body was found by a state police trooper and his K-9.
Montero is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Lawrence District Court.