The RAAF pilot husband of a mother-of-three who died in a reported late-night lawn mower incident has been charged with murder, prompting her grieving family to break their silence.
Frances Elizabeth Crawford, 49, was found dead on her rural property in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland, at 3.40am on July 30.
Her husband Robert Crawford made the triple 0 call to police, who found her body near a retaining wall in her backyard.
Queensland Police announced on Thursday that the 47-year-old man had been taken into custody and was charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.
He was refused bail to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday.
‘On July 30, emergency crews were initially called to a property in the Lockyer Valley, a private property, and that was in regards to an incident involving as you know a ride-on lawnmower,’ Detective Superintendent George Marchesini told reports on Thursday.
‘Frances was discovered deceased at that property at that time … at around 3.47am.’
Investigations are continuing and there is no further information at this time.
Robert Crawford, 47, was arrested in his Queensland home on Thursday
Crawford was charged with one count of murder ( domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering
Frances Crawford was found dead on her Upper Lockyer property during the early hours of July 30
Superintendent Marchesini also read out a statement released by Ms Crawford’s family following the murder charge, describing the ‘very difficult blow’ her children have been dealt with.
‘Frances Crawford will be remembered as a loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend and dedicated health professional and valued member of her church and community,’ the statement read.
‘Her death has been devastating to us all, even more so given the circumstances.
‘Frances’ passing will profoundly affect each of us for the rest of our lives, but none more so than her three beautiful children. They are wonderful young adults who will continue Frances legacy.
‘They have been dealt a very difficult blow indeed as they each embark on their own journeys, however with the support of family and good people around them, they will not be defined by this or what has gone before.’
The family thanked police, their community and the media but said they will now be focused on ‘seeking justice for Frances’.
‘While today is a step forward, sadly nothing will bring Frances back to us. We know we still have a long and difficult road ahead, both in grieving Frances and processing what has occurred,’ the statement continued.
‘As we process our loss and the unfolding events, we respectfully request privacy during this very difficult time.’
Police on Thursday also released footage of detectives speaking to a barefoot Crawford dressed in a T-shirt and shorts at his home and placing him under arrest before he was escorted to a police car.
He was later captured being driven into Ipswich Watchhouse, where he leaned forward to try and hide his face from the cameras.
Crawford is expected to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday
Ms Crawford’s family released a statement thanking police and the community for their help in the investigation
The arrest comes after Crawford put the ‘peaceful off-grid’ family home up for rent on Airbnb for $350 a night in September.
The listing made no mention of the tragedy in July and was advertised a serene retreat.
‘Our house [is] a short drive to Toowoomba, and beautifully positioned to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature,’ it added.
The listing was removed after media publicity.
Last week police made a public appeal for anyone with information about the couple and their relationship to come forward.
They revealed Crawford had been messaging women all over Australia and internationally on dating apps.
‘We believe there were women who were involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Mrs Crawford that will assist with this investigation,’ Superintendent Marchesini said last Friday.
‘Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications, and through his personal and professional life.
‘Investigations have revealed Mr Crawford has connected with women in Italy, United States of America, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.’
Queensland police said people had reached out to detectives in recent days and thanked them for their ‘bravery’.
Anyone with information that can assist with investigations is encouraged to come forward and contact police.
