A French woman, initially released after questioning in the murder of a British expatriate, has now been formally placed under investigation for premeditated murder, marking a significant twist in the case. Marie-Laure Autefort, 70, faces charges in connection with the death of Karen Carter, 65, who was found murdered outside her home in the village of Tremolat in Dordogne last year.
Autefort's brother had initially asserted her innocence, stating she lacked the physical strength and was too timid to commit such a violent act. He claimed her arrest was a "stitch-up" and that she had a credible alibi, reportedly being with friends and helping to care for others at the time of the murder. The alibi appeared solid due to Autefort's background as a respected care worker with no criminal record. However, investigators found "significant holes" in her accounts after a lengthy verification process.
Carter was killed with what a pathologist described as "exceptional violence" shortly after returning home from a wine-tasting event hosted by retired businessman Jean-Francois Guerrier. Autefort had reportedly made no secret of her own affections for Guerrier, and speculation has swirled around a potential motive related to an alleged affair between Carter and Guerrier.
A friend of Carter's revealed that while Carter had heard of Autefort, they had only encountered each other once, six days before the murder, at a local bar, Cafe Village. The friend described an unexpected appearance by Autefort at a social night, which created a tense atmosphere, and that Carter had asked to be pointed out her "love rival." While some sources suggest Autefort's infatuation with Guerrier was unrequited, her brother claimed a relationship did exist, stating Guerrier had taken Autefort on trips and to fancy restaurants.
Guerrier, who was present at the wine-tasting event, discovered Carter's body. He told a friend the scene was "just gore." Police believe Carter was attacked while reaching for her puppy in the back seat of her car. The weapon, believed to be a long-bladed knife, has never been found.
Autefort, a well-known local figure and former hospital theatre nurse, was arrested the day after Carter's death. Her home and car were searched, along with ancient caves on her land, but no evidence directly linking her to the crime was found, including any trace matching an unknown sample from Carter's car door. Despite her sensitive nature and past disagreements with volunteers at the community cafe where she and Guerrier were involved, locals expressed shock and disbelief at the latest development, emphasizing her past kindness and helpfulness.
The investigation into Carter's murder has cast a shadow over the idyllic village of Tremolat, a popular destination for British expatriates. Autefort is presumed innocent until a trial takes place.