Man charged with misleading investigators in connection with death of missing Massachusetts woman

LAWRENCE – The man arrested in connection with the death of a Lawrence, Massachusetts, mother was arraigned Wednesday and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing next week.

Cristian Montero, 35, was charged with intimidating a witness and misleading investigators in connection with the death of Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Lawrence District Court on Wednesday.

Missing since August 31st

Prosecutors said Flaz-Burgos was reported missing on Aug. 31. Her son last saw her at the Lawrence apartment where she lived with her mother and two children. Her purse, keys and wallet were still in her bedroom when police arrived to investigate. When police called her cellphone multiple times, prosecutors said each call went to voicemail.

According to prosecutors, Flaz-Burgos was seen on surveillance video walking from her apartment to Montero’s apartment. When she entered her apartment, she was allegedly seen on surveillance video texting and then making the sign of the cross. Two hours later, Montero was allegedly seen on surveillance video leaving her apartment with a cart full of clothes. During this time, prosecutors said Flaz-Burgos’ cell phone data showed the phone walking away from the apartment building.

Accused of misleading investigators

Montero allegedly told police he parked his car near a barbershop in Lawrence, but surveillance video never showed his car on the street or Montero in the barbershop.

Montero was arrested after The body of Flaz-Burgos She was found Tuesday night in Haverhill. Police have not said where exactly she was found or why they believe she was killed. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death and Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker believes Montero will face murder charges when it is complete.

Montero is due back in court on September 11 for a dangerousness hearing.