British couple, Andrew and Dawn Searle, found deceased in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue 6th February 2025

[Cedars]

Before anyone jumps to conclusions from the headlines, authorities have determined Dawn was murdered (duh), but they haven't decided whether murder-suicide or third party.

"A criminal enquiry has now been opened ... to determine whether the tragedy is the result of a domestic crime followed by suicide, or is the result of the intervention of a third party,’ said Mr Rigot-Muller.

Police reveal cause of death of Brit couple found dead at French home

Andrew and Dawn Searle were found by a neighbour at their property in Les Pesquies on Thursday. The mayor told French television the deaths were 'clearly a homicide'.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[ShastaDaisy]

If true
then...ummm...

Looking for perps would be like
looking for "a wind blowing in the field"...

It will be interesting to see if any cameras in the area caught anyone coming into or out of the area around their house.

 

[tree1]

Well I don’t know what to think anymore . So prior to this press conference some of my thoughts were around a domestic argument that went too far. AS panicked of course , thought he could claim robbery, hence the gag , maybe moved his wife outside. ? He then was overwhelmed and hung himself. But I am also keeping an open mind about other scenarios.

 

[Bluebear15]

I would've thought that if Andrew was so worried that people were after him, then he would've installed cctv on his property. Jmo, moo

 

[crespo29]

French investigators say ‘all hypotheses remain open’ in deaths of British couple

Prosecutor confirms body of Dawn Searle was found semi-clothed outside with head injuries caused by several blows

www.theguardian.com

So no real progress in the investigation.

 

[bmacmillan1]

Before anyone jumps to conclusions from the headlines, authorities have determined Dawn was murdered (duh), but they haven't decided whether murder-suicide or third party.

"A criminal enquiry has now been opened ... to determine whether the tragedy is the result of a domestic crime followed by suicide, or is the result of the intervention of a third party,’ said Mr Rigot-Muller.

Police reveal cause of death of Brit couple found dead at French home

Andrew and Dawn Searle were found by a neighbour at their property in Les Pesquies on Thursday. The mayor told French television the deaths were 'clearly a homicide'.

www.dailymail.co.uk

It's not mentioned either that Andrew had any evidence of scratches or marks on his body that he surely would have had as Dawn would have tried to defend herself.

 

[crespo29]

Searle went to a grammar school in Steyning, West Sussex. Not quite true, it was a comprehensive school, it just happens to be called Steyning Grammar school. Lazy journalism just cut and paste from Linkedin. I predict that this will be a case that is not going to be solved.

 

[Cedars]

Well I don’t know what to think anymore . So prior to this press conference some of my thoughts were around a domestic argument that went too far. AS panicked of course , thought he could claim robbery, hence the gag , maybe moved his wife outside. ? He then was overwhelmed and hung himself. But I am also keeping an open mind about other scenarios.

I think, myself, it is unlikely anyone targeted them.

However, there's the example of the billionaire Shermans in Toronto, whose deaths were staged, suggesting murder-suicide. But there was evidence of the wrists having been bound, and at least one person was caught on camera.

Police took many weeks to conclude their inquiry, which has been the source of severe criticism from their family and media. It will be interesting to see whether the French inquiry rushes to a quicker conclusion.

JMO

 

[Dotta]

I predict that this will be a case that is not going to be solved.

This is exactly my opinion too.

 

[tree1]

It's not mentioned either that Andrew had any evidence of scratches or marks on his body that he surely would have had as Dawn would have tried to defend herself.

I am sure it said he had no defence wonds

 

[tree1]

I am sure it said he had no defence wonds

Wounds

 

[bringmeacupoft]

It's not mentioned either that Andrew had any evidence of scratches or marks on his body that he surely would have had as Dawn would have tried to defend herself.

Unless she was running away from him, a massive blow to the head wouldn’t give much time for defensive wounds. It was stated there were none on him.

 

[VioletLilac]

It's not mentioned either that Andrew had any evidence of scratches or marks on his body that he surely would have had as Dawn would have tried to defend herself.

I guess if he attacked her when she was asleep she might not have had the opportunity to fight back, but then might have managed to drag herself outside.

 

[detective.moon]

I think, myself, it is unlikely anyone targeted them.

However, there's the example of the billionaire Shermans in Toronto, whose deaths were staged, suggesting murder-suicide. But there was evidence of the wrists having been bound, and at least one person was caught on camera.

Police took many weeks to conclude their inquiry, which has been the source of severe criticism from their family and media. It will be interesting to see whether the French inquiry rushes to a quicker conclusion.

JMO

the staging part is so odd in this case! because on one hand it looks like “staged as a robbery” (dawn) and on the other hand it looks like “staged as a suicide” (andrew)

i too was reminded of the shermans.

i don’t know if we have any obvious clues why anyone would target them, and in such a cruel/over the top way - but we also don’t have all information yet so i’m not ruling anything out yet.

 

[musicaljoke]

French investigators say ‘all hypotheses remain open’ in deaths of British couple

Prosecutor confirms body of Dawn Searle was found semi-clothed outside with head injuries caused by several blows

www.theguardian.com

So no real progress in the investigation.

There may be progress, and likely has been, but it has not yet been reported to the press. Just because we aren't hearing a constant flow of details, doesn't mean that nothing is happening in the investigation.

 

[tree1]

There may be progress, and likely has been, but it has not yet been reported to the press. Just because we aren't hearing a constant flow of details, doesn't mean that nothing is happening in the investigation.

Yes I think today was focusing on results of post mortems mainly. Did it state AS died from hanging? I know he was found hanging

 

[dotr]

Absolute speculation, imo- for now.
In a suicide/murder scenario due to financial stress, one could imagine a fight about expensive jewelry, the purchasing of it and/or the need to sell it.
Maybe a bonk on the head with the jewelry box, followed by a chase outside and an angry tossing of them around the victim "Look at what you pushed me to do''!

In a double murder, the message regarding spilled jewels around a victim, might be 'this is what cost you for being greedy', the gagged mouth- 'you should have kept your mouth shut'.

 

[bmacmillan1]

Is there still a press conference?

 

[Cedars]

I predict that this will be a case that is not going to be solved.

IMO, homicide cases can definitely go unsolved. Also, missing persons.

However, when it's a case of murder or suicide and both victims are found, it's so hard to manipulate the forensics to fool anyone.

JMO

 

[Cedars]

Is there still a press conference?

I believe it was held a couple of hours ago, and that's what DM reported on.