Names released of British chambre d'hôtes couple found dead in France

The British couple found dead in southern France in a suspected case of murder-suicide have been named as John and Kathryn Boyes, aged 64 and 65.

The public prosecutor of nearby Saint-Gaudens, Christophe Amunzateguy, confirmed their names to The Connexion today (April 27).

He also said that as a result of yesterday’s autopsy it is not believed that anyone else was involved in their deaths.

The bodies of the couple were found at their home in Boudrac (Haute-Garonne) by friends on Sunday (April 24).

Mr Amunzateguy previously stated that the evidence collected so far “clearly suggests a femicide.”

“This woman’s death was not of her own volition.”

A murder inquiry has been opened and is being led by the Saint-Gaudens gendarmerie.

It appears that the pair had been experiencing financial difficulties and that “one ended the other’s days before committing suicide themselves,” Mr Amunzateguy added.

Read more:Death of British couple in south France: murder investigation opened

The couple are believed to have bought their house in the remote area a year and a half ago with plans to set up a chambre d’hôtes there.

Facebook posts show them as being keen dog lovers who often went out on rambling walks in the countryside. Mr Boyes is often seen running and cycling in the local area.

If you knew the couple please contact us at news@connexionfrance.com

Theatre group faces dilemma ahead of Boudrac performance

The chairman of an English-language theatre group that puts on shows in Haute-Garonne and the surrounding area, and is planning one for this Saturday (April 30) in Boudrac, spoke of the local area being a tranquil and peaceful place.

“It’s a very quiet part of France,” Philip Faiers of The English Theatre Company said.

“People do not immediately think of this area when planning their holidays, it’s not like the Côte d’Azur or the Dordogne or Charente-Maritime.

“We don’t know the circumstances of this tragedy but trying to set up a B&B in a very quiet part of France…who knows. I imagine that is a very difficult thing to do.”

Pic: Provided by interviewee

The theatre group is going ahead with a performance of the Vicar of Dibley, which Mr Faiers says is a “rip-roaring comedy”.

However, the play has a scene in it that mentions a murder and a suicide, an issue that posed Mr Faiers and his theatre group a dilemma ahead of Saturday’s show.

“It is a tragic coincidence that just a week [after the incident] we are putting on a play that is a comedy in that community.

“We thought long and hard about whether we should go ahead. After canvassing opinion, we decided that yes, the show must go on.

“People who are coming to the play from the local area might well need some cheering up, that’s why we made the decision.

“A few members of our theatre company knew the couple. It’s difficult. Everyone is in shock.

“We haven’t decided if we will address this during the play. Normally what we do is that before the play starts, we do some announcements like ‘switch your phone off’ and ‘that’s where the exits are’.

“We may well address this situation then. It’s a sad time for the Boudrac community and we are hoping this brings a little light relief in difficult times.

The theatre group started planning this run of three performances of the Vicar of Dibley in February, which are taking place between April 23 and May 7.

Mr Faiers said that they usually do two or three shows per year and have a big following in the area. They have been active since 2016.

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