Missing Lawrence mother found dead in Haverhill

HAVERHILL -  The body of a woman who was reported missing over the weekend was found early Tuesday evening, and police expect to charge her neighbor with murder in the coming days.

Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, was reported missing Saturday afternoon. Police said she was last seen near her home on Broadway Street in Lawrence.

Carol Flaz-Burgos found dead

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said police gave Flaz-Burgos's disappearance "what I can best describe as a full-court press." Tucker said police searched digital records, performed K-9 searches and the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing was called in.

Flaz-Burgos was found dead in Haverhill early Tuesday evening, police announced.

Tucker said Cristian Montero, 35, of Lawrence was arrested and charged with witness intimidation and misleading investigators. He is expected to be arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Wednesday.

Charges expected to be upgraded

The Lawrence mother lived in the same apartment building as Montero.

"It is not a murder charge yet," Tucker said, adding that he expected the charges to be upgraded within a few days. Tucker said the charge is expected to be upgraded to murder once an autopsy is completed.

Tucker did not say where Flaz-Burgos was found or why police believe she was killed.

"Having found the body of Carol Flaz-Burgos, we have brought the family some comfort and resolution," Tucker said, adding "Cases like this really do tear the fabric of the community."

Anyone with information is asked to call Lawrence Police at 978-794-5900.