Cristian Montero Charged with Murder of Carol Flaz-Burgos

LAWRENCE, Mass. – September 11, 2024 – Cristian Montero, 35, of Lawrence, has been charged with the murder of Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, of Lawrence. Montero was arraigned this afternoon in Lawrence District Court, where he pled not guilty and was ordered held without bail.

Flaz-Burgos was first reported missing on August 31 and was found deceased on September 3 at a wooded area near Kenoza Lake in Haverhill. Authorities allege Montero disposed of the victim’s body after killing her in the apartment building that both the victim and the defendant lived in at 590 Broadway in Lawrence.

“I am grateful to the detectives in this case for their diligent work in investigating the death of Ms. Flaz-Burgos and for identifying the person responsible for taking her life,” says Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. “She was a beloved mother, daughter, co-worker, and member of the community, and I join them in mourning her loss.”

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet handled today’s arraignment for the district attorney’s office. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Strasnick will prosecute the murder case.

The search for Flaz-Burgos and investigation involved the Lawrence Police Department, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) detectives assigned to Tucker’s office, MSP K-9 and Air Wing units, the Haverhill Police Department, and the Methuen Police Department.

Montero, who is being represented by attorney Chris Norris, is slated to return to court on October 16 for a probable cause hearing.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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