Police now believe woman found dead in lawn mower incident may have been murdered

Ms Crawford’s husband Robert called emergency services to the property at 3.40am to report an incident involving a ride-on lawn mower.

Police today confirmed Ms Crawford’s body was found at the bottom of a retaining wall, alongside a lawn mower.

Forensic testing is ongoing as to how she came to be at the bottom of the wall.

Mr Crawford is believed to have been the last person to see his wife alive and is assisting police with the investigation. He has not been charged.

Detective Superintendent George Marchesini today said Mr Crawford is believed to have been involved in relationships with multiple women outside his marriage who may have information that could assist police.

“To uphold the integrity of the investigation we are limited in what details we can disclose, but we are confident there are people out there with information that is significant to our inquiries, and I am asking anyone with information to please come forward and speak with detectives,” Marchesini said.

“We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage.

“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.

“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.

“The past few months have been extremely challenging for Frances’s family and her children, who are desperate for answers, and it’s time for those with information, no matter how small, to come forward.”

Marchesini said police were conducting an “open investigation” but were not looking for anyone else.

No domestic violence orders were in place.

Crawford worked as a psychologist for Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba.

In a statement to media after Crawford’s death, the clinic said she was a “skilled psychologist and valued and respected team member” who was “highly regarded by her clients and colleagues”.