Murder in a small town leaves neighbors in shock

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Police tape off a Monterey home after they say a man shot and killed his wife

Police tape off a Monterey home after they say a man shot and killed his wife while she was sitting in a friend's car. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Apr 13, 2008 at 10:57 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM EDT

MONTEREY, Ind. — A murder in a small town in Pulaski County has left neighbors in shock. Police say Tomas Solano shot and killed his wife Denise in the driveway of their Monterey home Sunday afternoon.

Tomas then drove to Michigan City where his relatives live. Police found him hiding in the Greenwood Cemetery, where they say he then shot himself in the head.

The images aren’t just sad, they’re shocking. And they’re the last thing neighbors like Bart Shank would ever expect to see in this small, quiet town.

“This is just the heart of America. You don’t see things like this. You hear about them. You watch the news and think, man I’m glad I don’t live there,” Shank told WSBT News.

But on Sunday afternoon, murder became a reality. Police say Tomas Solano shot his wife Denise as she sat in a car in front of their house.

Police say they'd been fighting the past several months. On many occasions, officers were called to help control the situation.

“Each time that we responded it’s ended in a peaceful manner. And we’ve left the house reassured by both of them that they would continue with their marriage without the police intervention,” said Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer.

But this time the ending would turn tragic.

“I guess everybody’s got problems. But geez, to take it that far,” said Shank.

The tragedy doesn't just leave behind a grieving family. It leaves neighbors like Shank wondering how to pick up the pieces and move on.

“I think this is just a bad day for everyone. What do you do? Go on with your life and pray to God it doesn’t happen to you, right?” said Shank.

“So it’s a very unfortunate day for people who knew them, friends, family, and for all us that’s involved in any type of death situation,” said Gayer.

The suspect was temporarily staying with his mother in Michigan City.

Police also arrested another man for his alleged part in this shooting. They believe he gave Solano the gun, and knew what he planned to do with it.

The couple's three young children were already in protective custody when the shooting happened.

Sunday, Apr 20 at 9:57 PM BARB FROM WALMART wrote ...

I LOANED DENISE THE CAR TO GET HOME BECAUSE HER CAR BROKE DOWN,IT IS MY FAULT THIS HAPPENED IF I DIDN'T LOAN OUT THE CAR SHE MAY STILL BE ALIVE.LEAVE THE FAMILY ON DENISE'S SIDE ALONE UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ALL TALKING ABOUT

Saturday, Apr 19 at 9:43 AM AE (Cousin) wrote ...

I went to her funeral yesterday and at the end someone came up to the podium and said "remember it was bad on both sides" To that person that said that.. Remember that Denise wanted a peaceful divorce so she could go on with her life and get her babies back. She was not the one to go get the gun He was. She didnt shoot a defenseless person while they were sitting in a car. HE DID!!! I hope that he makes it so he can realize the ramifications of what he did! Sorry but that makes him the bad one!

Friday, Apr 18 at 2:47 AM Family Member of Denise wrote ...

You know what hurts is that I have to goto her funeral today. I grew up with her. Granted we all got older the closeness fell away and we lost contact, but when I got the call the other day taht my dads cousin had been murdered it hurt me not because it was my dads cousin, but because she was my cousin too. She was only 2 years older than me, and we used to play together with her brother and sisters and my sisters while our parents did their thing. It hurts that I have to say goodbye. Its wrong.

Wednesday, Apr 16 at 9:48 PM akita wrote ...

GOD BLESS ALL OF THE SALANO'S....R.I.P TO ALL WHO SUFFER FROM ALL OF THIS TURMOIL..We cannot keep blaming everyone else or bring up the past events.. we all need to come together and be strong for both famlies here...Let DENISE R.I.P..pray for Tomas..pray for their beautiful children that are LEFT BEHIND...may GOD BLESS THEM AND WIPE AWAY THEIR TEARS....AMEN

Wednesday, Apr 16 at 11:21 AM Martie wrote ...

Why has this tragic story turned to a bashing of Monterey? Obviously from reading the comments, there are some sad, cruel people in the world. I moved to Monterey 7 years ago, and find it a very supporting and loving community. I also have worked in Monterey for 14 years and chose to move here. There are bad apples in all communities.

Wednesday, Apr 16 at 2:33 AM anonymous wrote ...

First off, Brenda, you annoy me. Everyone else with any negative comments, is this what you'd want to read if your family was going through this? You don't have much compassion do you? How horrible to think that the family is going through all they are and then they have to read this too. You guys are classified as scum in my book. And how about the kids. I know some of them are old enough to use the computer. Imagine reading all this about their Mommy and Daddy. You are monsters.

Tuesday, Apr 15 at 1:20 PM Cathy wrote ...

This is not the time to air dirty laundry about any one's past there is a time and place for that. I think that WSBT could have done a better job using a more suitable photo of Denise.

Monday, Apr 14 at 3:57 PM culver resident wrote ...

You people all amaze me. First off the guy that got stabbed an almost died that did not happen in Monterey. It was Kewanna. Second, check any town that has a bar and I bet you will find bar fights there also. All in all Monterey is a good town. I dont think that you will find any place in Indiana that does not have a few bad apples.

Monday, Apr 14 at 3:42 PM sherry wrote ...

I once was a victim of domestic violence, I was once judgemental that would never happen to me, I also beleived in law enforcement....my house was shot 9 times in plymouth no one seemed to notice and I was told not to watch so much csi when I begged them to find him and powder his hands for gun powder ..I was told they would had I been killed...The victim is victimized by the law as well. Its the children paying for this tradegy.

Monday, Apr 14 at 2:41 PM craig wrote ...

im sure we will see this again

Monday, Apr 14 at 2:08 PM To OMG wrote ...

Tell that to the young man whom was stabbed several times one night in that town, and almost died. Tell that to all the others beaten in bar fights in that town over the years.

Monday, Apr 14 at 1:57 PM I like Monterey wrote ...

OK, Monterey is generally a nice town. I worked there for years. Although right before I worked there and again right after, the bank got robbed. There was also a robbery and shooting about 9 years ago.

Monday, Apr 14 at 1:42 PM Bill wrote ...

We all have to realize thet the police are not here to protect and serve us as their logo's state...we need to protect ourselves. It's too bad she didn't have a license to carry a gun and know how to use it...she would be alive.

Monday, Apr 14 at 1:38 PM smitty wrote ...

isn't this the same town the schultz dude from michigan city killed his wife

Monday, Apr 14 at 1:05 PM BB wrote ...

I had lunch with Denise on Sunday and she was the happiest I have ever seen her. Thinking that the divorce would be over soon and she could resume a somewhat normal life. She talked of her 5 children and what a proud mother she was. Unfortunate for her Tomas never financially provided for his family and yet Denise worked very hard to provide for her children. I remember when he would never pick her up after work and she would have to ask friends for a ride. She will be missed.

Monday, Apr 14 at 12:58 PM WOW !!!!! OMG!!! wrote ...

People need to think about what they write before they write it.I live like a mile away from Monterey for 14 years and I hav't heard anything bad about the town. this is the only thing that has happended in a long time!!!

Monday, Apr 14 at 12:29 PM The Thinker wrote ...

This is another tragic, much too familiar story. I just wish those who make up their mind to do such an evil thing would shoot themselves first!

Monday, Apr 14 at 11:39 AM Plymouth Resident wrote ...

No one can understand why people do what they do. Bitterness,jealously or the fear of losing someone maybe. At any rate.. no excuse.Pointing fingers at others won't change anything. Jail doesn't always scare people. They serve years in the prison system.. get out and seek revenge.In times like these everyone's heart should turn to the children who have lost both of their parents. I pray that God blesses them in every way possible. In reality the children suffer and its heartbreaking.

Monday, Apr 14 at 11:36 AM Anonymous wrote ...

How ignorant can they be. They were out there over and over again. Domestic Violence Training tells you that the officers may be called 7 to 8 times before it be it becomes a homicide. Somebody needs to educate them. To say "this is shocking to see this happen in a small town is ridiculous." Does anyone actually believe that? I hope not. What a sad day.

Monday, Apr 14 at 11:21 AM County Resident wrote ...

The town is shocked??? On another news site this town is compared to the famed Mayberry by a resident. Saying this small town is like Mayberry, is like calling the state pen a county jail. This small town has a history of violence.

Monday, Apr 14 at 10:40 AM Resident wrote ...

You can't blame the Sheriffs office and their officials. They have been to the residence on several occasions and she had every opportunity to leave the residence. Her most recent chance was on Friday. But these women seem to want to stay with these loser men. As far as the law, there is nothing a lot the sheriff can do in certain situations. Especially if the victim declines help. If you think there is more that could be done, you should write your congressman, not on WSBT's website.

Monday, Apr 14 at 9:58 AM Anonymous wrote ...

dont forget about the fool that gave him the gun

Monday, Apr 14 at 9:23 AM MM wrote ...

has anyone ever heard of LISA BIANCO? why is this domestic violence issue still an issue after her killing by that may he burn in hell alan methany. I probably spelled his name wrong but who cares.

Monday, Apr 14 at 8:09 AM Kitty wrote ...

Pulaski County Sheriff Gayer and his officers need training in domestic violence. Had the officers taken Mr. Solano to jail a few times when they were called to the home, perhaps his wife Denise would be alive today.

Monday, Apr 14 at 7:38 AM ANOVEMBER wrote ...

MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY...THIS IS SUCH A BREATH TAKING MOMENT, AND "ONLY GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH"..MY HEART CRIES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY..MAY GOD TOUCH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AND KEEP THE REST OF YOU SAFE......

Monday, Apr 14 at 3:29 AM Tomas Cousin wrote ...

It is a sad and sorrowful day for our family and friends, please remember us in your prayers. I am praying right along with you... There are 5 beautiful young children who are now left without the love and guidance of their mother who loved them. She will never have the opportunity to see her kids grow up and lead a hopefully successful life. Denise and Tom love their kids and deep down , even with all the problems I think they loved each other too. Tom is a fighter, I pray he makes it, Deb

Monday, Apr 14 at 1:58 AM Family wrote ...

There are 5 children not 3 get the story right

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