Dawn Searle made appointments just before she and her husband were found dead at their French home, adding mystery to the case.
Dawn, 56, was beaten to death. Andrew, 62, was found hanging from a radiator. Dawn arranged chimney sweeps for April, scheduling them for neighbors and herself in their small village. She even visited a fireplace shop nearby.
A shop worker noted Dawn felt a little sick, thinking she had the flu, but her mood was good. Local staff mentioned the couple taught English to their French neighbors on Sundays. They also joked about rugby rivalries and ate fish and chips monthly.
Flowers and candles now sit outside their home, placed by people after their violent deaths. A sign offering counseling to residents reveals the shock within the community.
Dawn died from head wounds caused by blunt and sharp objects. Andrew showed no defensive wounds. Police are investigating the case, considering a murder-suicide scenario.
The local prosecutor is keeping options open, mentioning the possibility of a double homicide and considering a financial motive. They are also examining the couple’s past, though friends reject the murder-suicide idea.
Friends feel the couple had a good relationship and find the murder-suicide theory unbelievable, stating they seemed financially stable and were definitely doing well. Many questions about the deaths remain unanswered.
The time of death is still unclear. Neighbors found them around 12:30 PM on Thursday. Andrew was hanging inside, and Dawn was outside by the front door. Andrew was last seen on CCTV Wednesday, buying lottery tickets and a chocolate bar around 6 PM.
Some fear a targeted assassination, worrying people due to Andrew’s work blocking money flowing to Russia, according to LinkedIn. His work involved anti-bribery measures, investigating corruption and financial crime.
Criminal networks may have noticed him because he investigated fraud for many years. The motive for the deaths is not yet confirmed. Police found cash in the bedroom, and the house was roughly searched. However, no jewelry was stolen, Dawn was undressed but not sexually assaulted.