Andrew Searle is suspected of murdering his wife, Dawn, and staging a burglary before taking his own life in France.
Andrew Searle, 62, was found dead inside. Investigators now suspect suicide. Neighbors became worried after they hadn’t seen the couple walking their dogs, which prompted the initial discovery.
Dawn suffered head injuries caused by a heavy object. Jewelry was scattered around her. The house was a mess, with cupboards and drawers open and furniture knocked over. Police initially suspected a robbery and thought Dawn tried to flee then was killed.
Sources close to the case shared new thoughts, indicating neighbors would have heard screams outside. Investigators now believe she died inside, and then her body was moved outside.
An insider mentioned the houses are close. No one heard any noise. The victim likely died inside, as doors and windows were shut tight due to winter. Then, her body was moved to the garden.
Investigators now consider a botched burglary, fitting the murder-suicide theory. Nicolas Rigot-Muller, who leads the investigation, thinks Andrew hoped to fake a burglary to explain the death.
However, he might have changed his mind and instead committed suicide. Andrew had no defensive wounds, which strengthens the suicide idea.
Forensic tests show no other people were involved. The couple moved to France a decade ago and married in 2023. Dawn’s son, Callum, who used to be on Hollyoaks, walked her down the aisle.
Andrew investigated finances in the UK, working in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and looked into serious crime groups. Dawn Searle worked as a project manager.