A 70-year-old woman from the small Dordogne village of Tremolat has been charged with the murder of British-South African expatriate Karen Carter, reigniting distress in a community still struggling to come to terms with the violent crime. Marie-Laure Autefort, a divorced former nurse and lifelong resident of Tremolat, was formally charged on July 2 in connection with Carter’s killing, which occurred on the night of April 29, 2025.
Karen Carter, 65, was found stabbed multiple times at her property, Les Chouettes, a renovated 250-year-old cottage she managed as a guesthouse. Authorities determined that she suffered eight stab wounds, including injuries severe enough to nearly sever an arm and penetrate vital organs. Carter’s body was discovered after she returned home from a wine tasting event hosted by local resident Jean-Francois Guerrier, with whom she and Autefort both had personal connections that are central to the ongoing investigation.
Autefort, a petite woman standing under 5 feet 5 inches and reportedly suffering from high blood pressure and severe osteoarthritis in her hands, denies involvement in the murder. Friends and family have expressed disbelief at the charge, raising questions about her physical capability to carry out such a violent attack. Her brother, Philippe Monribot, described the allegations as “impossible” and noted that she is “scared of going out in the dark.” Autefort was released on bail but ordered not to remain in Tremolat during the investigation.
The case has shocked Tremolat, a quiet village of approximately 600 residents, known for its historic charm and tight-knit community. Many locals had speculated early on that the murder was the work of a hired assassin due to the ferocity and apparent planning involved. The murder weapon has not been recovered despite extensive forensic searches, including multiple house searches and investigations of nearby caves.
Karen Carter, originally from South Africa with family roots in Lancashire, England, moved to Tremolat in 2008 with her husband Alan Carter. The couple maintained homes in both France and South Africa but increasingly spent time apart following Carter’s diagnosis and successful battle with breast cancer. Prior to her death, Karen had ended their marriage, a fact she confided to friends shortly before her death.
The investigation has focused in part on complex personal relationships. Carter was reportedly involved in an affair with Jean-Francois Guerrier, a 75-year-old retired IT executive, who was also the object of Autefort’s unreciprocated affections. Neighbors and villagers have described tensions around these relationships, with Autefort openly professing her love for Guerrier, who is said to have distanced himself from her.
Police have cited inconsistencies in Autefort’s alibi on the night of the murder as the basis for her arrest, noting that statements about her whereabouts and activities lack clarity. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects and have suggested Autefort may have had assistance from someone physically stronger.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to seek the murder weapon and any further evidence that may clarify Carter’s killing. The community of Tremolat remains deeply affected by the tragedy as prosecutors prepare for what may be further developments in the case.