Woman formally charged over 2025 killing of British‑South African mother in Dordogne

A 70-year-old woman has been placed under formal investigation in connection with the April 2025 death of 65-year-old British‑South African mother-of-four Karen Carter, who was found with stab wounds near her car in Trémolat, the Dordogne village where she lived and managed holiday rentals, the investigating judge said.

Investigating judge Jacques-Edouard Andrault said the judicial inquiry opened on 7 May 2025 led to a formal charge against the suspect. Prosecutors noted the woman had earlier been taken into custody in 2025 as part of preliminary inquiries before being released.

At the time of the killing in April 2025, Carter was discovered by a friend near her vehicle. Her husband, Alan Carter, said he first learned of her death after a cousin saw a notice on a local community Facebook page and that local police later confirmed the report after being contacted by his assistant.

Alan Carter described his wife as outgoing and warm-hearted, saying she loved people and often cared for lost animals. He said her death had been traumatic for the family.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The investigating judge has advanced the inquiry by formally charging the 70-year-old suspect based on investigations conducted since the judicial inquiry opened on 7 May 2025. Prosecutors had previously placed the woman in custody during preliminary inquiries earlier in 2025 before her release. Public details in the case include the victim’s age, nationality, residence in Trémolat, her role managing holiday rental homes, and the statements from the investigating judge and the victim’s husband.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Victim: Karen Carter, 65, British‑South African mother-of-four found stabbed near her car in Trémolat.
• Legal development: 70-year-old woman formally charged after inquiry opened on 7 May 2025.
• Context: Suspect had been in custody earlier in 2025 during preliminary inquiries and was later released; statements provided by investigating judge Jacques-Edouard Andrault and by the victim’s husband, Alan Carter.