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The death of the mother and stepfather of Scottish actor Callum Kerr in France could have been a murder-suicide, prosecutors say.
Andrew and Dawn Searle were found dead on Thursday, Feb. 6, in their home in Les Pesquiès, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France, where they had moved from Scotland, the BBC reported. They were found by a neighbor after not showing up to a planned dog walk.
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The news agency, citing French prosecutors, now reports that Andrew, 62, died from hanging, while Dawn, 56, died as the result of multiple injuries to the head with a blunt and sharp object.
“The investigation is ongoing, particularly to determine whether the tragedy resulted from a domestic crime followed by suicide or involved a third party,” prosecutors say, according to the BBC.
Dawn was found partially undressed, BFM-TV reported, near a box of jewelry, though no nearby item was likely to have caused her injuries, authorities say.
Villefranche-de-Rouergue Mayor Jean-Sébastien Orcibal had initially told French TV that the couple’s death were the result of homicide, according to the BBC.
Dawn was the mother of Callum Kerr, an actor who has appeared in Virgin River and Monarch.The actor, who is also a country singer, posted a statement on Instagram.
“At this time, Callum Kerr and Amanda Kerr are grieving the loss of their mother, Dawn Searle (née Smith, Kerr), while Tom Searle and Ella Searle are mourning the loss of their father, Andrew Searle,” the post said. “No family member is available for media interviews or comments. We kindly request that their privacy be respected during this difficult period.”
According to The Scotsman, Andrew was a retired fraud examiner, while Dawn formerly was a project manager.