Body Of Missing Lawrence Woman Found In Haverhill, Man Arrested

LAWRENCE, MA — The body of a 37-year-old Lawrence woman who went missing Saturday afternoon has been found in Haverhill, and a 35-year-old Lawrence man is in custody in connection with her death, according to the Essex District Attorney's Office.

Carol Flaz-Burgos, a mother-of-two, was found dead in a wooded area near Kenoza Lake by a trooper who was accompanied by a police dog and the Airwing unit.

The suspect, Cristian Montero, lived in the same building as Flaz-Burgos and was arrested Tuesday afternoon by Lawrence Police.

Montero is currently only in custody on a charge of witness intimidation and misleading an investigation, but officials believe that once Flaz-Burgos' autopsy is complete the charge will be "upgraded to murder," according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

The autopsy is expected to occur in the next 24 to 48 hours, Tucker said.

"This is not the outcome that we were looking for and we are sad for this loss," Lawrence Police Chief Melix Bonilla said Wednesday.

Lawrence Mayor Brian A. De Peña added that "It is a tough day for the City of Lawrence."

"It is not easy for the family or the community, but we thank everyone for working together," he said.

Montero will be arraigned in Lawrence District Court Wednesday.