A 70-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of 65-year-old Karen Carter in the French village of Trémolat, according to the BBC. Carter, a South African woman who also held British citizenship, was killed in April 2025.
The suspect was initially questioned in connection with the murder and subsequently released before being charged, the BBC reported. Autopsy results revealed that Carter died after suffering severe blood loss from multiple stab wounds. She collapsed and died next to her car following a social event.
Discovery of the Murder and Initial Response
Carter’s body was found by Jean-François Guerrier, a 75-year-old businessman with whom she was in a relationship. Carter’s husband, Alan Carter, stated that he initially understood Guerrier was just a friend of hers. Alan Carter first learned of his wife’s death through a cousin who read about it on a local community Facebook page. He received formal confirmation after his assistant phoned local police.
Carter ran two holiday rental homes in Trémolat and divided her time between France and the home she shared with her husband in KuGompo, Eastern Cape. She had lived in the French town for more than a decade and was a mother of four, as well as a former Rhodes student.
Motive and Investigation Details
French media claimed that the 70-year-old accused woman harbored unrequited feelings for a man with whom Carter was apparently romantically involved. Reports also indicate that the suspect regularly spent time in the restaurant that Carter frequented. At the time of publication, News24 reported being unable to reach the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for comment.
Did You Know? Karen Carter divided her time between running two holiday rental homes in the French village of Trémolat—where she lived for more than a decade—and her home in KuGompo, Eastern Cape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim in this case?
The victim was Karen Carter, a 65-year-old South African woman who also held British citizenship, ran two holiday rental homes in France, and was a mother of four.
When and where did the incident take place?
The murder occurred in April 2025 in the French village of Trémolat.
Who has been charged in connection with the killing?
A 70-year-old woman has been charged with the murder following initial questioning and her subsequent release, according to the BBC.
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