Cristian Montero, 35, has been ordered held without bail after being accused of misleading investigators in the case of 37-year-old Carol Flaz, a missing Lawrence mother whose body was discovered near Kenoza Lake in Haverhill. Montero was arraigned Wednesday in Lawrence District Court on charges of witness intimidation and providing false information to police during the investigation into Flaz’s death, told CBS News.
A plea of not guilty was entered on Montero’s behalf, and he has been ordered to return for a dangerousness hearing next week. According to the Essex District Attorney’s Office, Montero could face upgraded murder charges once the medical examiner’s office completes its autopsy on Flaz, according to NBC.
Flaz, a mother of two, was reported missing after vanishing from her apartment building on August 31. Her body was discovered three days later by a specially trained K9 unit in the Winnikenni conservation area in Haverhill. Authorities have not disclosed how or if Montero and Flaz knew each other, though they lived in the same building.
Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet detailed the investigation during Montero’s arraignment, explaining that police were alerted to Flaz’s disappearance when a 911 caller reported being unable to reach her by phone. Officers found her keys, purse, and wallet left behind in her apartment, but there was no sign of Flaz.
Surveillance footage showed Flaz walking toward Montero’s apartment and “making the sign of the cross” before entering, Fleet said. She was never seen leaving. Two hours later, Montero was spotted pulling a beach wagon filled with what appeared to be clothing, and cellular data showed Flaz’s phone moving away from the apartment toward Haverhill.
Fleet accused Montero of misleading police by providing a fake alibi, claiming he was in Lawrence, while phone records indicated he was in Haverhill. “This false information that he provided to the investigators did mislead the investigators,” Fleet said in court.
Flaz’s body was found late Tuesday night, leading to Montero’s arrest. Lawrence Police Chief Melix Bonilla expressed sorrow over the tragic outcome. “This is not the outcome that we were looking for and we are sad for this loss,” Bonilla said.
Lawrence Mayor Brian A. De Peña added, “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.”