FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAWRENCE, Mass. – September 4, 2024 – Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, of Lawrence, was found deceased yesterday evening at a wooded area near Kenoza Lake in Haverhill, and authorities have arrested Cristian Montero, 35, of Lawrence in connection to her death. The body of Flaz-Burgos, a mother of two, was located by a Massachusetts State Police trooper accompanied by a K-9 and Airwing unit.

After notifying the family of Carol Flaz-Burgos, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Lawrence Police Chief Melix Bonilla, and Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone made the announcement at a press conference last night at the Lawrence Police Department. Flaz-Burgos was reported missing on August 31, when Lawrence Police began the search, soon followed by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Tucker’s office, Haverhill Police, and Methuen Police. Montero, who lived in the same building as Flaz-Burgos, was arrested yesterday afternoon by Lawrence Police.

“At this time, we have a suspect in custody on a charge of witness intimidation and misleading an investigation,” Tucker said of Montero’s arrest. “When the medical examiner’s office completes their autopsy, which may occur in the next 24 to 48 hours, we expect that charge will be upgraded to murder.”

“We offer our condolences to the family,” said Bonilla. “This is not the outcome that we were looking for and we are sad for this loss.”

“It is a tough day for the City of Lawrence,” said Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña. “It is not easy for the family or the community, but we thank everyone for working together.”

Montero was arraigned in Lawrence District Court today and was held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m. for a detention hearing.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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Michael Keefe-Feldman

E: Michael.Keefe-Feldman@mass.gov

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