Authorities in lovely Trémolat, France are leaving no stone unturned in the investigation of golden retiree Karen Carter’s gruesome murder. She was a British-South African woman and activist. Her body was found by her partner, Jean-François Guerrier, on April 29, near her car. The circumstances of her death have left community members—and now, federal investigators—scratching their heads in confusion.
Carter established a terrific reputation in the community by operating two successful gites. Les Chouettes, housed in a spectacularly restored 250-year-old farmhouse and a connected 18th-century stone barn, soon became a hot spot. She also divided her time between Trémolat and East London, South Africa. There, she resided with her husband, Alan Carter. The couple enjoys being award-winning homeowners and has four adult children. They have two daughters and two sons who reside in Britain, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
The case surrounding Carter’s death uncovered that she experienced a number of stab wounds, resulting in excessive blood loss. An autopsy concluded that her death was the result of eight blunt force trauma injuries. These included penetrating wounds to her chest, abdomen and forearm and superficial lacerations to her thigh, shoulder and thumbs. Local authorities are treating the case as a possible robbery turned deadly. They fear that a personal vendetta from a member of her social circle might be at play.
On the night she was killed, Carter participated with about 15 other guests in a rambunctious wine tasting party at Café Village Trémolat. Among those in attendance was the village’s mayor—Eric Chassagne. According to eyewitness accounts, she was described as being in high spirits for the graduation event. The unfortunate circumstances of her death have caused the investigation to speculate that an outsider could have been responsible.
In response to the ongoing investigation, Chassagne noted, “From what I can understand, they want to compare the DNA to that found in the victim’s car.” This indicates that the police are still actively investigating forensic evidence to try to identify possible suspects.
Carter’s partner Jean-François Guerrier found her body in an intentionally tragic way. The emotional toll the investigation has taken on her family weighed heavily on them. Alan Carter expressed his distress over the situation, stating, “It’s been extremely upsetting to hear what’s being said, though more for our children and the rest of the family than me.” He mentioned how their appreciation for one another developed, starting in the 90s, when they started falling in love and married.
Then the investigation took a surprising turn. Authorities arrested 69-year-old Marie-Laure Autefort just four days later. But as of Tuesday afternoon, her condition was unknown as police were still trying to obtain information. Investigators are considering every possibility and have not ruled out any leads.
Alan Carter described his concerns over his wife’s relationship with Guerrier. He had no knowledge of this until now,” their statement read. “What has come out of this investigation has confirmed a relationship I did not want to believe and that had been denied to me repeatedly by my wife,” he stated. He mentioned addressing concerns about gossip regarding his wife’s reputation: “I told her that the gossip was tarnishing her reputation but she batted it away and said there was nothing in it.”
While that investigation goes on, the community is understandably still shaken. Residents have told their stories and shared the pain they feel after the murder of a man they viewed as a friend and neighbor to all. Whether organizers or virtual attendees, thousands have rallied together to uplift one another through this unprecedented period.
Authorities are still working to determine a motive behind the crime, as well as identify potential suspects. They are following down leads in Carter’s social circle but keeping the door open to outside involvement. As detectives continue to piece the evidence and witness statements together, they are cautiously optimistic that they can bring closure to this tragic case.