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

[VerityGumshoe]

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.

Surely would be blood evidence on him if he’d done it.

 

[bringmeacupoft]

Surely would be blood evidence on him if he’d done it.

We don’t know that there isn’t yet. Little was actually explicitly said in the update yesterday.

 

[Dotta]

Surely would be blood evidence on him if he’d done it.

Exactly my thoughts.
Head injuries bleed profusely.

 

[VerityGumshoe]

So there were two murder weapons? Blunt and sharp otherwise surely a contradiction.
Also if murder suicide wouldn’t Mr Searle have DS DNA evidence on him ?
Just my opinions

Yes I thought this too.

 

[VerityGumshoe]

They would have said if he had wounds like DS. I would consider hanging quite a violent death.

But why the gag? I can’t see any reason to gag yourself if you are about to jump and hang yourself.

 

[Dotta]

But why the gag? I can’t see any reason to gag yourself if you are about to jump and hang yourself.

And hide a murder weapon so well that even Police couldn't find it

 

[bringmeacupoft]

But why the gag? I can’t see any reason to gag yourself if you are about to jump and hang yourself.

I don’t think it’s confirmed he was gagged, it has been reported so, but this was not included within the post mortem update. Just like were his hands bound? So if he didn’t hang himself wouldn’t you expect them to ensure he couldn’t save himself?

To a degree none of this make sense for either murder-suicide or murder for both Andrew and Dawn.

 

[Sarahlou]

I don’t think it’s confirmed he was gagged, it has been reported so, but this was not included within the post mortem update. Just like were his hands bound? So if he didn’t hang himself wouldn’t you expect them to ensure he couldn’t save himself?

To a degree none of this make sense for either murder-suicide or murder for both Andrew and Dawn.

Good point, I don't think the police have actually said he was?

And some of the reporting has been wrong. Many reports said she was naked, which wasn't true.

 

[Maat99]

Surely would be blood evidence on him if he’d done it.

We don’t know that there isn’t yet. Little was actually explicitly said in the update yesterday.

Well we also don’t know that he was secretly violent, was having a mental breakdown due to financial ruin, got fat due to MH issues, staged a murder scene, hung himself etc.. etc.. but that doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone. Seems a bit unfair to this guy

 

[Dotta]

I think it all revolves around money.
Being involved with some dodgy people who got impatient when money wasn't paid back in time.
A gag might be a warning sign for others who linger with paying back.

JMO

 

[Sarahlou]

And hide a murder weapon so well that even Police couldn't find it

Well there was a case in the UK where they missed a dead body in a loft they searched...

I wouldn't be so sure that a well hid weapon would have been found yet. Is there a river nearby that it could have been thrown in?

 

[bringmeacupoft]

Well we also don’t know that he was secretly violent, was having a mental breakdown due to financial ruin, got fat due to MH issues, staged a murder scene, hung himself etc.. etc.. but that doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone. Seems a bit unfair to this guy

I don't think i'm being unfair to the poster, i'm just clarifying we don't know anything either way.

 

[VioletLilac]

Would you care though if you weren’t going to be around? I must say my initial thoughts were a staged break in and robbery. His suicide an after thought when the enormity of his actions sunk in. However I really am keeping an open mind on this. Whatever happened, it must be unbearable for their families, I include dogs in family too as heart breaks for them too

He might not want family and friends and the public to know it was him (if he did it.)

 

[VioletLilac]

But why the gag? I can’t see any reason to gag yourself if you are about to jump and hang yourself.

To hide that he was the killer. You could tie a gag on yourself. JMO

 

[bringmeacupoft]

Well there was a case in the UK where they missed a dead body in a loft they searched...

I wouldn't be so sure that a well hid weapon would have been found yet. Is there a river nearby that it could have been thrown in?

From a very quick google maps look, they are close to the river Aveyron, with tributaries running off at various points one which goes through Les Pesquies

 

[Dotta]

He might not want family and friends and the public to know it was him (if he did it.)

A wife murderer concerned with his image???
I wouldn't give him such credit.

It sounds too convoluted IMO.

 

[VioletLilac]

Well there was a case in the UK where they missed a dead body in a loft they searched...

I wouldn't be so sure that a well hid weapon would have been found yet. Is there a river nearby that it could have been thrown in?

Was that the girl Tia in the water tank or something?

 

[VioletLilac]

Well we also don’t know that he was secretly violent, was having a mental breakdown due to financial ruin, got fat due to MH issues, staged a murder scene, hung himself etc.. etc.. but that doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone. Seems a bit unfair to this guy

People are discussing the possibilities the police have said they're considering I think. One of which is murder suicide.

 

[Skigh]

Was that the girl Tia in the water tank or something?

She was wrapped up and hidden in the loft ,but if my memory is correct,not actually in the tank.

 

[VioletLilac]

She was wrapped up and hidden in the loft ,but if my memory is correct,not actually in the tank.

Thanks. Not sure why I thought it was in the tank.