Title: Lawrence Man Held Without Bail in Connection with Murder of Mother of Two
Introduction:
A Lawrence man, Cristian Montero, faced a judge in Lawrence District Court after being arrested in connection with the death of 37-year-old Carol Flaz-Burgos. Flaz-Burgos was reported missing on Saturday, and her body was later found near Kenoza Lake in Haverhill. Montero had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf and will remain in custody pending a dangerousness hearing. As the community mourns the loss, officials are working together to gather evidence for potential murder charges.
The Search for Carol Flaz-Burgos:
Carol Flaz-Burgos was reported missing after leaving her apartment on Broadway. Her son tried to contact her multiple times, but all calls went to voicemail. When the police arrived at her apartment, they discovered her purse, keys, and wallet on a dresser. Investigators found surveillance footage of Flaz-Burgos entering Cristian Montero’s apartment complex, but she was never seen on camera again. Montero was captured leaving the apartment complex with a beach cart wagon filled with clothes, leading authorities to suspect that Flaz-Burgos’ body may have been transported in the cart.
Montero’s Deceptive Statements:
Montero initially provided misleading information to the investigators, falsely claiming that he had parked on Trenton Street and visited a barbershop. However, further investigation revealed that Montero did not park on Trenton Street nor enter the barbershop. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet stated that Montero’s false statements misled investigators regarding Flaz-Burgos’ whereabouts, complicating the search for her.
The Impact on the Community:
Lawrence Mayor Brian De Peña expressed his condolences to the Flaz-Burgos family and the Lawrence community, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they face. The courtroom was packed with police officers, court officers, and heartbroken family members during Montero’s arraignment, demonstrating the impact of this tragic incident. Lawrence Police Chief Melix Bonilla, who knows Flaz-Burgos’ family, attended the court proceedings in a show of support.
Upcoming Proceedings and Funeral Arrangements:
Montero is scheduled to appear in court on September 11, where the district attorney’s office may add a murder charge based on the results of Flaz-Burgos’ autopsy. Family members of Flaz-Burgos are currently making arrangements for her funeral, as they navigate the grief and loss caused by this devastating event.
Conclusion:
The Lawrence community grapples with the tragic loss of Carol Flaz-Burgos, a mother of two. As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are diligently working to gather evidence and build a case against Cristian Montero. Montero’s deceptive statements have complicated the search for Flaz-Burgos and may result in additional charges. The support of community leaders, such as Mayor Brian De Peña and Lawrence Police Chief Melix Bonilla, provides solace to the grieving family in these challenging times.
