French Police Probe Death of Scottish Couple, Potential Killer at Large

A Scottish woman and her husband died in France. Detectives are unsure if a killer is involved. Dawn Searle, 56, and Andrew, 62, were discovered last Thursday. They lived near Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Autopsies have since occurred.

Dawn was hit in the head. A sharp, blunt object caused her injuries. Andrew died by hanging. He had no defensive wounds. Police investigate the couple’s deaths. Murder-suicide and double murder are possibilities.

Police won’t say if they have suspects. Family traveled to France and spoke to investigators after the discovery. Prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller spoke on Monday, saying both deaths were violent. It’s too early to share information.

The prosecutor said the case is open and he cannot favor any single theory now. He cannot confirm if they seek someone, avoiding misleading statements. Rumors circulate about what happened, but friends dismiss suicide claims.

Some propose a third party. Andrew investigated financial crime for Barclays. Colleagues say his work was anonymous. Antoine Da Silva saw Andrew looking worried while he was on the phone with his dad.

Their home is now a crime scene. They moved to France ten years ago and married in 2023. Dawn’s son, Callum Kerr, walked her down the aisle. He’s an actor, once on Hollyoaks.

Callum posted a statement online, asking for privacy during this time. He will give updates when it is right. Andrew’s father, Fred Searle, is grieving and wants answers after his son’s death.

Mayor Jean-Sébastien Orcibal shared new details. Access was blocked off at first while Police checked for a perpetrator at their house. They collected fingerprints and the property had a thorough exam on Saturday. This can provide inquiry information.

The mayor was struck by what he saw. He cannot share the victims’ condition. The investigation must determine it.