Karen Beaumont Carter, a 65-year-old British mother of four, was found fatally stabbed outside her home in the tranquil village of Trémolat, Dordogne, France.

The attack, described as frenzied and savage, occurred on Tuesday night after she had spent the evening at a local bar with a male friend, with whom she had been in a relationship for several weeks. Carter was discovered outside near her car with multiple deep stab wounds on her body and died at the scene despite medical efforts.

A 69-year-old woman from Trémolat, known to the couple, has been detained in connection with the murder. French authorities have opened a murder investigation, led by police from Bergerac and Agen. Mrs. Carter had been living part-time in France with her husband, Alan Carter, dividing their time with South Africa.

The investigation noted a recent friendship with a man who discovered her body and called emergency services; he was questioned and released. Alan Carter refuted claims of a romantic relationship and expressed disbelief over the murder.

Karen was well-regarded in the community, notably as a member of a local over-50s women’s football team, Les Reines du Foot. The team and community have expressed deep sorrow at her death. The family is planning a funeral in France and will scatter her ashes in Trémolat and South Africa.

Her sudden death has shocked the peaceful village, with many residents now fearful and locking their doors. The British Foreign Office has offered support, though they have not been contacted by local authorities.