Dawn Kerr, 56, found dead in France with husband Andrew. The family seeks answers amid murder-suicide investigation.
Dawn was from Musselburgh. She retired to France with Andrew ten years ago. He was a financial crime expert. They married in September 2023. Dawn’s son, Callum Kerr, walked her down the aisle. Dawn planned a trip back to Scotland weeks before she died, seeking a house for her son’s wedding visit.
Dawn was found outside, partly undressed, with skull injuries from a blunt and sharp item. No sexual assault evidence exists, and they found no murder weapon. Andrew hanged himself inside and had no defensive injuries. These details emerged this month.
Andrew fought organized crime for over 20 years. He worked alongside UK police and fraud authorities, checking people linked to rogue nations. These checks included terrorists and drug dealers. This work may have alerted criminal networks, and some think criminals killed them.
Dawn died from head wounds that seemed from multiple blows. Police investigate a potential marital dispute, which may explain their deaths. However, the prosecutor considers other possibilities also.
Police hope camera footage helps solve the case. Footage shows Andrew the day before he died. He bought chocolate and lottery tickets. The shopkeeper was shocked. She described them as a happy, lovely couple. Andrew often bought cigarettes there and was fixing his house.
Neighbors saw Andrew arguing on the phone. Antoine Da Silva said Andrew seemed agitated. Another neighbor saw them walking their dogs while Andrew argued loudly in English.
Detectives examine their mobile phones. One detective said Andrew’s device offers clues.
Andrew had money problems. Sources say he cried about his pension after it took him over a year to pay a bill. The prosecutor considers financial issues as a motive.
Dawn booked chimney sweep appointments about 18 hours before they died. She seemed happy, despite being sick. A shopkeeper knew them well. They taught English to neighbors for free and were a very involved and generous couple.
Their bodies appeared at midday Thursday. Neighbors found them after they missed a dog walk. It seemed they tried to escape. Dawn was naked outside the house while jewelry scattered around her suggests disorder. Andrew hung himself inside with a gag in his mouth.
The mayor ruled out burglary theories as no weapons were at the scene; they found no bullet or knife wounds. The house looked searched, but there was cash and jewelry in the bedroom untouched.
More tests will reveal details of death. The investigation continues. Police are looking for murder by a third party and crime during a marital dispute.