The family of a British woman who was fatally stabbed in her home in France have indicated that they suspect the identity of her killer. Karen Carter, aged 65, was assaulted near her residence in the village of Trémolat last April, yet the perpetrator remains at large. Despite their suspicions regarding a specific individual, her relatives have chosen to let the investigation proceed as they entrust the justice system to reveal the truth, as stated by their lawyer, Reda Hammouche.
Following allegations suggesting that Karen, a mother of four who resided alone, may have been the target of a jealous dispute linked to her romantic affairs, her loved ones have come forward. At the time of her untimely death, she was in the process of divorcing her husband, Alan Carter, who resides in South Africa, and was romantically involved with Jean-François Guerrier, a retired 75-year-old business executive living nearby in France.
Reports surfaced that a local woman, Marie-Laure Autefort, aged 70, had developed strong feelings for Guerrier a year before he engaged in a relationship with Karen, leading some to speculate about her involvement. However, Autefort’s brother dismissed this notion as “absurd.” Both Guerrier and Autefort were briefly detained after the incident but were released without any charges, vehemently refuting any accusations of wrongdoing.
Guerrier had organized a wine tasting event on April 19, 2025, and later drove Karen to her home, where he discovered her lifeless body in a pool of blood. Conflicting reports emerged regarding Guerrier’s movements that evening. While initially stating concerns over Karen not contacting him upon reaching her residence, leaked interview notes revealed that he claimed to have spent the night at her house.
It was Guerrier who directed authorities to investigate Autefort, detailing her infatuation with him the previous year, which led to tensions when her feelings were not reciprocated. Autefort reportedly provided a solid alibi, and despite DNA testing on her and Guerrier, as well as other guests at the wine tasting, no matches were found. Investigators are also exploring the possibility of a contract killing, as no murder weapon has been recovered, indicating a swift entry and exit from Trémolat.
Alan Carter, who shares children with Karen, acknowledged the local suspicions implicating him in orchestrating the murder to secure control over the family’s substantial estate. He expressed distress over the accusations, particularly for the sake of their children and extended family. Prosecutor Jacques-Édouard Andrault, overseeing the investigation into premeditated murder, affirmed that the inquiry remains actively ongoing.
