Investigation into the deaths of a Scottish couple in France slows as case is handed to a new team.
Dawn Searle, 56, had skull injuries. The injuries came from both sharp and blunt force. She was also found partially undressed outside. Their house sat in a quiet, small village area. There was no sign of sexual assault at all.
They found no weapon used in the attack. Andrew Searle, 62, was found hanged. He used a rope attached to a radiator. There were no defensive wounds on him.
The house looked like someone searched it quickly. But money in the bedroom was still there. Jewelry was also right next to Dawn’s body.
The case changed hands to a bigger investigation team, and the Montpellier division is now handling it. Police opened a homicide investigation. They are looking into the deaths of the couple.
Dawn grew up in Eyemouth, Scotland. Andrew was originally from England. They lived in Musselburgh before France. The couple got married in 2023.
Investigators are looking at a few possibilities. Was it a domestic issue followed by suicide? Or did someone else get involved? They opened a “voluntary homicide” investigation. Both Searles had children from previous relationships.
Andrew worked in financial crimes before retiring. He worked for Standard Life and Barclays. Some believe the motive might connect to his work. Another theory is that he killed Dawn and then took his own life afterward.
Andrew may have been having money problems. A neighbor does not think it was murder-suicide. The neighbor thought the Searles were happy. Dawn scheduled a chimney sweep the day before. Andrew bought a lottery ticket that same day. He also purchased a chocolate bar.