France - Karen Carter, 65, stabbed to death, Tremolat, Dordogne, 29 April 2025

[Charlot123]

Barry Morphew did not care about his daughters.
He killed his wife when she was about to leave him.
Plenty of other cases on here where so called loving husbands have killed their children's mother.

Well, I am hesitant to compare AC with BM.

While I can say "scums like Barry Morphew exist", we have no evidence to compare the two.

As people, they were the opposite - Barry was the hunter, and a cruel one. He was the destroyer.

AC works as an environmentalist, cleaning the ocean from plastic, helping marine creatures to survive.

AC bought the gite after KC went through her battle with cancer because she "felt alive" in France. Their friends mentioned earlier that he treated her very well. So, not an abusive rascal. No history of violence.

It seemed to me that AC tried to keep the family together, if only in his mind. (It was obviously impossible as KC did not want to live in SA, and AC enjoyed it.) But AC does not come across as a controlling man. He allowed his wife to live on a different continent.

Maybe he is slightly naive, methinks.

But he doesn't come across as BM, at least personality-wise. Far from it.

Yes, husbands may kill wives who decided to leave. KC's murder happened when she decided to get a divorce. But not all husbands resort to murder.

I think that French police has to either fully clear AC, or not, because the whole family is involved, and probably, struggling.

 

[Charlot123]

Let's be honest,
the fancy dresses and careful make up do not seem to be for guys
(who couldn't care less)
but for other society women who eye each other, especially at venues hehehe

Karen was not herself there.
She seemed to be anxious, in deep trouble.

Who knows what was bothering her?

At the very night she was murdered.

JMO

Yes, and in fact, her trip to SA could have been the catalyst.

But not necessarily it was the husband. We don't know.

French police has to do something about the case, you know. Either clean AC or not, but not leave it all hanging like this. As the country, France has power. The Interpol has power, after all.

 

[Dotta]

Yes, and in fact, her trip to SA could have been the catalyst.

But not necessarily it was the husband. We don't know.

French police has to do something about the case, you know. Either clean AC or not, but not leave it all hanging like this. As the country, France has power. The Interpol has power, after all.

I don't get
why this guy JF dragged himself to SA with her???
Her husband and family were in SA.
Talk about awkward.



JMO

 

[indicolite22]

Let's be honest,
the fancy dresses and careful make up do not seem to be for guys
(who couldn't care less)
but for other society women who eye each other, especially at venues hehehe

Karen was not herself there.
She seemed to be anxious, in deep trouble.

Who knows what was bothering her?

At the very night she was murdered.

JMO

She had a dinner with a female friend a day earlier. That friend also noticed that she looked tired. She could have been worried about the divorce. Perhaps the husband reacted badly to being served divorce papers or had not reacted yet and she anticipated it.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

I don't get
why this guy JF dragged himself to SA with her???
Her husband and family were in SA.
Talk about awkward.



JMO

Why? It seems to me she was separated from her husband already. That doesn’t mean to say her husband accepted the fact if so, of course.

 

[Dotta]

Why? It seems to me she was separated from her husband already. That doesn’t mean to say her husband accepted the fact if so, of course.

It is always good to finish something before starting something new.
Clean start, no problems.

Well, that is my motto.

 

[slowpoke]

Considering that the "wine tasting" event
was a gathering of this village's "elite" IMO
(mayor, etc)
I'm doubtful a woman who always used to care about her appearance
(as friends reported)
suddenly came to such venue sweaty and without make up immediately after training.

Her appearance and lack of usual make up
seems IMO to indicate something more serious, much more serious.
Or sinister?

JMO

Well, I didn’t mean she would have come directly to the wine tasting event from training. She could have dashed home to shower and change, but had little time for makeup.

But, of course, as was pointed out by @indicolite22, Karen appeared tired to her friend who she had dinner with the day before. So, yes, something could have been weighing heavily on her mind. Based on what that friend has said, where she quoted Karen about her marriage—“I’m done”—the friend thought the impending divorce is what weighed on her mind.

 

[Mayb]

I don't get
why this guy JF dragged himself to SA with her???
Her husband and family were in SA.
Talk about awkward.



JMO

Why? It seems to me she was separated from her husband already. That doesn’t mean to say her husband accepted the fact if so, of course.

Very awkward.
appears that husband was hanging in there waiting for the situation to settle in his favour he surely hoped. O dear !
... I suspect AC knew JF had turned up in SA.

 

[indicolite22]

Very awkward.
appears that husband was hanging in there waiting for the situation to settle in his favour he surely hoped. O dear !
... I suspect AC knew JF had turned up in SA.

Husband and family were 850 miles away from the tournament venue.

 

[Kemug]

Well, I didn’t mean she would have come directly to the wine tasting event from training. She could have dashed home to shower and change, but had little time for makeup.

But, of course, as was pointed out by @indicolite22, Karen appeared tired to her friend who she had dinner with the day before. So, yes, something could have been weighing heavily on her mind. Based on what that friend has said, where she quoted Karen about her marriage—“I’m done”—the friend thought the impending divorce is what weighed on her mind.

Saying "I'm done" is a very interesting phrase, isn't it. To me it implies that she had done her best, and just couldn't do it anymore. But done what exactly? Tried to mend her marriage? Well I don't think so, if she really wanted to do that, she would have gone back to SA. Tried getting her husband to accept that she was moving on with someone else? It doesn't seem like that had worked. So then, what? Was she going to charge ahead and get a divorce anyway, against AC's wishes, and to hell with the money and property, and AC's feelings? That seems likely to me. Noone was young anymore, and she wanted to get on with living her own life the way she wanted.
Tragically, she isn't.

 

[FromGermany1]

Saying "I'm done" is a very interesting phrase, isn't it. To me it implies that she had done her best, and just couldn't do it anymore. But done what exactly? Tried to mend her marriage? Well I don't think so, if she really wanted to do that, she would have gone back to SA. Tried getting her husband to accept that she was moving on with someone else? It doesn't seem like that had worked. So then, what? Was she going to charge ahead and get a divorce anyway, against AC's wishes, and to hell with the money and property, and AC's feelings? That seems likely to me. Noone was young anymore, and she wanted to get on with living her own life the way she wanted.
Tragically, she isn't.

I am done. - Had she had to put up with too much from him and now finally didn't want it anymore? But what should it have been, when they were already living apart for so many years? Something very unpleasant or hurtful it must have been, IMO.

 

[ZaZara]

I'm still not sure why she would have wanted a divorce. Because of JFG? IMO that relationship was far too recent. My impression is that divorce talks had started earlier, possibly as a part of the discussion where they were going to live. He wanted to remain in SA, she wanted France and for the time being, they both got what they wanted. So why not continue for a while? He did not stop her from renting out the B&B, and she did not interfere with him saving the oceans. In the words of the prophet, they were not growing in each other's shadow. They also might have ended the relationship while remaining married, an option when the division of the spoils is too complicated.

What was the urgency?

Not sure if this has anything to do with the murder BTW.

 

[Dotta]

I'm still not sure why she would have wanted a divorce. Because of JFG? IMO that relationship was far too recent. My impression is that divorce talks had started earlier, possibly as a part of the discussion where they were going to live. He wanted to remain in SA, she wanted France and for the time being, they both got what they wanted. So why not continue for a while? He did not stop her from renting out the B&B, and she did not interfere with him saving the oceans. In the words of the prophet, they were not growing in each other's shadow. They also might have ended the relationship while remaining married, an option when the division of the spoils is too complicated.

What was the urgency?

Not sure if this has anything to do with the murder BTW.

Maybe she needed money urgently?

Why did she open a separate new bank account all of a sudden?
Did she owe somebody?
Was she blackmailed?

The hospitality businesses is like a "well with no bottom" money-wise.
Constant repairs, renovations, decoration, staff to pay, insurance, taxes, etc, etc.

Maybe she thought a quick divorce would bring her some extra cash?

She seemed to be desperate.
Why?

I don't think the reason was a husband living far away.

After some time without living together
the divorce is granted automatically, without any problems.
In Law it is called
"Irretrievable breakdown of a marriage"

Which, in their situation, was obvious.
Living on 2 different continents.
(Not to mention an alleged lover glued to her even when she travelled to SA where husband and family live)

So why to hurry?
Why being soooo anxious that even strangers noticed???



JMO

 

[Sjöberg]

I don't get
why this guy JF dragged himself to SA with her???
Her husband and family were in SA.
Talk about awkward.

<modsnip>

You love someone. That someone is going very far away and this involves something very very scary and emotionally hard - discussing the divorce details with her separated husband. Why would you not want to offer support? You love someone but you want them to suffer all alone very far from you?

I would hope that most people would consider supporting your loved one more important than the suffering caused by random gossip based on ignorance.

Yes, the situation was awkward in a way. This is not the fault of JF. Nor are we here seriously discussing life decisions of two consenting adults that we know nothing about. Frankly, if anything, this might have escalated any possible anger by the husband (who after all did initally try to say he had no idea of any divorce plans).

Karen was murdered. It might ot might not be connected to the ongoing divorce. I am surprised the getaway car managed to, well, get away. I know it's rural, but still. Is it possible that they actually know the car and the driver, but are trying to find any connection to anyone with a motive?

 

[Cedars]

I'm still not sure why she would have wanted a divorce. Because of JFG? IMO that relationship was far too recent. My impression is that divorce talks had started earlier, possibly as a part of the discussion where they were going to live. He wanted to remain in SA, she wanted France and for the time being, they both got what they wanted. So why not continue for a while? He did not stop her from renting out the B&B, and she did not interfere with him saving the oceans. In the words of the prophet, they were not growing in each other's shadow. They also might have ended the relationship while remaining married, an option when the division of the spoils is too complicated.

What was the urgency?

Not sure if this has anything to do with the murder BTW.

I've read nothing from her husband, after her death, praising her as his beloved wife and mourning her loss. I've only read about how he didn't want to believe she was having an affair, and that it was a betrayal.

Also, I recall his reported comment that the last time he'd been to France, he'd felt an outsider.

Do you know of other quotes from him (not the children), that indicates he was happy with their arrangement?

 

[Dotta]

I've read nothing from her husband, after her death, praising her as his beloved wife and mourning her loss. I've only read about how he didn't want to believe she was having an affair, and that it was a betrayal.

Also, I recall his reported comment that the last time he'd been to France, he'd felt an outsider.

Do you know of other quotes from him (not the children), that indicates he was happy with their arrangement?

From my link sent months ago - on 2nd May 2025 to be exact:

Husband:

"He described Mrs Carter as an outgoing, friendly person
who 'wouldn't hurt a fly',
and said her death has been 'traumatic' for his family.

'I'm an introvert, and she's the exact opposite.
She's an extrovert, she loves people,
she loves to have fun.
People love her,
she has a good heart',
he said.

'She's the one who would bring home the lost dog, or cat, or whatever.
She's that sort of person.
Everyone liked her.
That's why I married her.
She's just lovely'."

Woman killed in France was lovely person, says husband

Karen Carter, 65, was found with stab wounds in Trémolat in the Dordogne region on Tuesday evening.

www.bbc.com

 

[Mayb]

"I'm done"

If it was true that husband AC was resisting a divorce when there was evidently no real marriage to speak of - why?

Money is personal for some people more than others. Money was holding things together ? again speculation and jmo

 

[Dotta]

Now this is just rude.

You love someone. That someone is going very far away and this involves something very very scary and emotionally hard - discussing the divorce details with her separated husband. Why would you not want to offer support? You love someone but you want them to suffer all alone very far from you?

I would hope that most people would consider supporting your loved one more important than the suffering caused by random gossip based on ignorance.

Yes, the situation was awkward in a way. This is not the fault of JF. Nor are we here seriously discussing life decisions of two consenting adults that we know nothing about. Frankly, if anything, this might have escalated any possible anger by the husband (who after all did initally try to say he had no idea of any divorce plans).

Karen was murdered. It might ot might not be connected to the ongoing divorce. I am surprised the getaway car managed to, well, get away. I know it's rural, but still. Is it possible that they actually know the car and the driver, but are trying to find any connection to anyone with a motive?

Rude?

I never say anything bad about myself
Others can do it much better hahaha

But honestly,
rude means using vulgar language
and I never do this.

I would say I was blunt.
And why not?

The divorce discussion is between TWO people.
It is private matter between husband and wife.

Period.

Karen and AC lived as a family loooong years.
They had several children together.
They brought them up together, educated them together.
He helped her establish French business.
Was a shoulder to cry on when she fought against cancer.
They formed a FAMILY.
They were together for decades, through sickness and health, good and bad times.

So ...
I think it is just a matter of RESPECT towards the husband and MUTUAL life shared
(despite talking divorce).

Imagine (generally speaking)
a lover in tow when discussions about private, intimate matters between spouses are proceeding.
What a nerve!

This is something viewed very negatively
(to put it mildly!!!!)
in the culture where I live.

But, it seems, some think it is normal.
Oh well.....
Cultural differences I guess.

By the way,
Didn't JF try to be discreet in the village???
(as was reported)
Cough, cough,
the whole village was bursting with gossip

So
why didn't he try this time at place where husband's family was???
Isn't it humiliation?

And
let's not talk about ...ummm..."true love",
the alleged relationship was new,
and, after all,
the 70 year old pensioner was certain of his feelings also, not too much earlier.
That is why she was suspected by some of the "crime of jealous passion".
(again, as was reported).

JMO

I don't want to argue/bicker.
It is not my intention.
I was called Rude, so I answered this particular post and presented MY point of view.

 

[Sor Juana]

Investigators have widened the scope of their inquiries to South Africa, as local lines continue to turn up dead ends.
The investigation is now focused on suspects Karen may have met abroad – including an over-50s French football team.

Major update in brutal murder of Brit expat stabbed to death in French idyll as cops interview women’s football team

There was an earlier link from the Daily Mail a few weeks ago, and now here’s another one from The Sun. Was there ever any follow‑up on the football team and that whole angle? Apparently the police looked into the entire squad, and I’m curious what kind of scenario they thought they were dealing with.

 

[Charlot123]

I'm still not sure why she would have wanted a divorce. Because of JFG? IMO that relationship was far too recent. My impression is that divorce talks had started earlier, possibly as a part of the discussion where they were going to live. He wanted to remain in SA, she wanted France and for the time being, they both got what they wanted. So why not continue for a while? He did not stop her from renting out the B&B, and she did not interfere with him saving the oceans. In the words of the prophet, they were not growing in each other's shadow. They also might have ended the relationship while remaining married, an option when the division of the spoils is too complicated.

What was the urgency?

Not sure if this has anything to do with the murder BTW.

The first thought that comes to mind, if it was a marriage “on paper only” and people were having parallel lives would be inheritance in case of a spouse dying.

We really don’t know why KC did not look herself. We know she was a cancer survivor.

In the case of a married couple, the surviving spouse inherits the common property.

In the case of a divorced couple each ex-spouse gets his share of the community property and bequests it to someone (I’d think, the children in KC’s case).

Perhaps it was about the will and inheritance? That could explain the pressure.

Another reason to divorce would be the feeling that the spouse is not good with the money and the wish to secure at least half of it.