A 70-year-old woman has been placed under formal investigation in connection with the death of Karen Carter, a 65-year-old British-South African mother of four, who was found stabbed to death near her car in the village of Trémolat, Dordogne, in April 2025.

According to prosecutors, the suspect was initially taken into custody in 2025 as part of preliminary inquiries before being released. Now, investigating judge Jacques-Edouard Andrault has formally charged her, stating that the judicial inquiry opened on May 7, 2025, led to the decision.

Under French law, being placed under formal investigation means the judge must determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Karen Carter's husband, Alan, described her as an outgoing, friendly person with a "good heart" who "wouldn't hurt a fly." He learned of her death through a cousin who saw the news on a local Facebook page.

"She's an extrovert, she loves people, she loves to have fun. People love her, she has a good heart. She's the one who would bring home the lost dog or cat. Everyone liked her. That's why I married her," Alan Carter said.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk