Mystery Deaths of Scot Dawn Kerr and Andrew Searle in France: Key Points

Police are investigating Dawn and Andrew Searle’s deaths in France. The family has many questions, but few answers exist. Their last known actions remain unclear at this point.

Andrew, 62, used to investigate crimes, and Dawn, 56, came from Scotland. They tragically died at their home last week in Les Pesquies, near Toulouse. Neighbors remembered them as “lovely.”

Andrew and Dawn married in September 2023, and Dawn’s son, Callum Kerr, walked her down the aisle. Their bodies were found on Thursday, February 7, and authorities called it a homicide. The investigation is ongoing.

Investigators now dismiss the burglary theory. Andrew was found hanged inside their house with a gag in his mouth. Police found no weapons nearby, suggesting possible torture before death; this information comes from French police reports.

Dawn was found outside, naked with a head wound, and jewelry lay scattered around her. Detectives think they tried to escape, and that an intruder or intruders likely killed them.

Prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Miller updated the case on February 10, stating the investigation is wide open. Andrew’s father, Fred Searle, is seeking answers, and theories, coming from people who knew them, link their deaths to their past.

Police hope CCTV footage will help solve the case, believing cameras caught the perpetrator. Andrew bought chocolate and lottery tickets the day before he died. The shopkeeper was shocked by the couple’s death, saying they were regular, happy customers.

Police are examining the couple’s phones, which may hold crucial clues. Andrew’s phone seems especially helpful, with recent calls made by Andrew possibly key.

Their bodies were found around midday Thursday after they missed a dog walk with neighbors. They may have tried to escape the killers, as Dawn’s body lay naked near the door. Jewelry scattered around, suggested a struggle, while Andrew was found hanged inside with a gag, and no weapons appeared at the scene.

Neighbors say they saw Andrew talking on the phone, and that he seemed agitated and worried. Another neighbor saw them walking their dogs, with Andrew arguing intensely in English.

Andrew spent years fighting organized crime, working with police in the UK, and checking people linked to crime. This may have alerted criminal networks; one theory suggests criminals targeted them, prioritizing revenge.