CCTV footage reveals Andrew Searle hours before he and his wife, Dawn, were found dead in their France home.
Andrew, 62, and Dawn, 56, were found on Thursday. The video showed Andrew at a shop shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday. He bought chocolate and lottery tickets.
Isabelle Palazy, the shopkeeper, spoke about Andrew and said she couldn’t believe the news. Andrew and Dawn were regular customers, and he always bought cigarettes there. That Wednesday, he seemed happy; he chatted and seemed relaxed, she said.
Thinking they died less than 24 hours later is shocking. They were always happy and spoke French well. Andrew worked on his house and often bought chocolate bars there.
A neighbor saw Andrew upset the day before he died. He was walking his dogs and talking on his phone. The neighbor said Andrew seemed agitated and was arguing in English.
He waved before continuing his walk. A family friend said Andrew was worried about his garage. Odile Marian said Andrew saw the garage open and thought he had closed it.
He looked for who opened the garage. They don’t know if it’s related to their deaths. Andrew’s father, Fred Searle, is grieving and has many questions but few answers.
Police in France are investigating. Early reports suggested a burglary gone wrong. The police then considered if hitmen were involved because Andrew used to investigate organized crime, after all.
Torture may have occurred. Dawn was found near the front door with a head wound. Jewelry was scattered around her. Investigators are considering all possibilities. The prosecutor said they died a violent death.
All leads are under serious consideration. Murder-suicide is also a possibility. No weapons were found at the scene. Initial exams found no bullet or knife wounds.
Autopsies are expected soon. Police continue to search their home for clues. The Searles moved to France ten years ago. The Foreign Office is helping the family and working with French authorities.