The family of a British woman who was fatally stabbed in her home in France believes they may know the identity of the perpetrator. Karen Carter, 65, was attacked in the village of Trémolat last April, but the killer remains at large. Despite suspicions pointing towards a specific individual, the family has opted to let the legal process unfold. Their attorney, Reda Hammouche, stated that they trust the justice system to reveal the truth.

Speculation arose that Karen, a mother of four, may have been a target of a jealous dispute linked to her romantic relationships. At the time of her death, she was in the midst of divorcing her husband, Alan Carter, who resided in South Africa, while being involved with Jean-François Guerrier, a retired businessman living near her French residence.

Local resident Marie-Laure Autefort, who reportedly harbored feelings for Guerrier before Karen, was considered a suspect by some. However, her brother dismissed this notion as absurd. Both Guerrier and Autefort were briefly detained after the incident but were later released without charges, maintaining their innocence.

Guerrier hosted a wine tasting event on April 19, 2025, and later discovered Karen’s lifeless body at her residence. Conflicting reports emerged regarding Guerrier’s movements that evening, with initial statements suggesting concern for Karen’s well-being, though later accounts indicated he intended to spend the night at her house.

Guerrier directed authorities to investigate Autefort, citing her infatuation with him and subsequent disappointment. Despite providing alibis and DNA samples, neither Autefort nor Guerrier matched forensic evidence collected from the crime scene.

There are ongoing inquiries into the possibility of a contract killing, given the absence of a murder weapon and the swift entry and exit from Trémolat. Alan Carter, Karen’s ex-husband, acknowledged suspicions surrounding him, insinuating motives related to the family estate. Prosecutor Jacques-Édouard Andrault confirmed that the investigation into premeditated murder remains active.