Callum Kerr’s mum and stepdad « Euro Weekly News
Callum Kerr and mother, Dawn Searle, 2015. Credit: Facebook, Dawn Kerr.
French authorities have confirmed that the deaths of British couple Andrew and Dawn Searle are being treated as a murder followed by suicide, with no evidence of third-party involvement.
Andrew and Dawn Searle’s bodies were discovered in rural France
According to reports, the bodies were found on February 6 at the couple’s home in the hamlet of Les Pesquies in south-west France. “Mrs Searle’s body was found outside the property with a significant head injury, while Mr Searle’s body was discovered hanging inside and ‘did not show any visible defensive injuries,’” according to a statement issued by French prosecutors.
The alarm was raised by a neighbour after the couple failed to show up for a planned dog walk. Police sealed off the area, deploying a helicopter and drone to support the investigation.
Andrew and Dawn Searle: Post-mortem results show no sign of third-party involvement
Post-mortem examinations confirmed Mr Searle died from hanging, while Mrs Searle suffered “multiple blows to the head with a blunt and sharp-edged object,” according to reports. Prosecutor Fabrice Belargent told Sky News that “the analysis carried out does not so far show any evidence that a third party was involved.”
Andrew Searle, 62, and Dawn Searle (née Kerr), 56, had lived in the Aveyron region for five years. They married in 2023 in Villefranche-de-Rouergue and were described by locals as well-integrated members of the community.
Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue who officiated their wedding, told Sky News the couple were “very happy, very friendly and didn’t seem to have any problems.”
Mr Searle’s LinkedIn profile states that he retired in 2015 after working in financial crime prevention, including roles at Barclays and Standard Life. His final post read: “Enjoying life in rural France – renovating!”
Son, Callum Kerr
The couple each had two children from previous relationships. Dawn’s son, Virgin River and Hollyoaks actor Callum Kerr, released a statement following their deaths and asked for privacy to be respected during the difficult period. While French prosecutors have ruled out external involvement, the deaths of a couple once seen as joyful and settled leave a community with many questions as to why or how this tragedy happened.
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