Scots Mum Seemed Happy Before Death in France, Investigation Launched

Dawn Kerr was seen alive shortly before her death. A local person said Dawn seemed happy and positive. Her body was found with her husband, Andrew Searle, at their home in France in a small village. Police have started a big investigation now. Foul play by someone else is possible, they stated.

A shop worker spoke to Dawn about chimney cleaning about eighteen hours prior to their deaths. Dawn was a project manager, the shopkeeper said, and she felt unwell with the flu, but was still in a good mood. The shopkeeper knew Dawn and Andrew well.

Dawn, age 56, and Andrew, age 62, were generous people who taught English to their French neighbors for free. Another person called them the “perfect couple,” as they were always at community events. The couple lived in a very quiet area.

A mechanic who often fixed Dawn’s car joked with Andrew about rugby games. Officials are checking for murder-suicide scenarios as well. A prosecutor, Nicolas Rigot-Muller, issued a statement that they want to find out how the deaths happened.

A neighbor called authorities and raised the alarm. Emergency workers discovered Dawn’s body near her home and then found Andrew’s body inside. He was hanging from a radiator in their house.

The house seemed to have been searched quickly. Cash and jewelry sat near Dawn’s body in the bedroom. She showed no signs of sexual assault, officials said, and no weapons were found that could have caused Dawn’s injuries.

Autopsies happened on Monday and provided key evidence. Dawn suffered a major head wound that seemed to come from a blunt, yet sharp, object. Andrew was hanging by a rope, and there were no signs of him fighting back.

Friends said they seemed happy and comfortable. Police are considering robbery as a possible motive, along with revenge for Andrew’s fraud work. Murder-suicide remains a consideration, authorities stated.

Dawn grew up in Eyemouth, Scotland, while Andrew was originally from England. They lived in Musselburgh before moving to France, and they wed in Villefranche-de-Rouergue in 2023.

Dawn’s son, Callum Kerr, a former actor, walked her down the aisle. Andrew moved his family to France around ten years ago. The UK government is helping the family and is talking with French authorities about the case.