A somber cloud hangs over the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, following the discovery of 37-year-old Carol Flaz's body near Kenoza Lake in Haverhill's Winnikenni conservation area on Tuesday. The mother of two had been missing since Saturday morning, launching an extensive search by local authorities. A suspect, Cristian Monterro, 35, also a resident of Lawrence, is currently facing charges. "This was essentially an around-the-clock effort to locate Carol Flaz," said Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker, as reported by Boston 25 News. Monterro will be arraigned on charges of witness intimidation and misleading investigators.
Constructed with compassion and diligence, Flaz's case captured the city's urgent attention, where local and state officials employed resources including a state police helicopter and K9 units in a "full court press" to find her, according to a statement obtained by WHDH. Found by a specially trained K9, Flaz’s last known location was her apartment building at 590 Broadway, where she was seen knocking on a neighbor's door early Saturday morning, the community advocate Julissa Nunez told Boston 25 News. It wasn't immediately clear that how Monterro knew Flaz or why he is considered connected to her death.
Tucker, addressing the gravity of the investigation, indicated that there is a possibility that the charges against Monterro may be escalated. "It’s not a murder charge, yet," he said, according to NBC Boston. The expectation hinges on the pending findings from the medical examiner's autopsy. In the meantime, Monterro is slated for an arraignment on Wednesday in Lawrence District Court.
As residents grapple with the shock of the incident, authorities assured that it appears not to be random, attempting to alleviate community concerns. After being reported missing on Saturday afternoon, upon leaving her home, the emotions in finding Flaz's remain were hard-felt. Lawrence Mayor Brian De Peña, who spoke to Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra earlier Tuesday, mentioned that a person of interest was in custody. Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone conveyed assurances that residents in the conservation area were not at risk, a sentiment echoed by Tucker during several press statements.
In the backdrop of the tragedy, the neighborhood is left to mourn and reflect. Neighbors expressed their shock and disbelief at the unfolding events. "Never in my life have I ever seen this happen with cops and detectives," said resident Golden Foxwolf, in an interview with WHDH. Meanwhile, Marcos Rios, another neighbor, witnessed the search efforts at the building, noting that authorities were collecting bags of evidence. "I feel so bad," Rios recounted, "She was a really nice person."
