Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman was killed in a lawnmower incident, with detectives confirming her husband had been messaging a string of women around the world on dating apps.
Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at her Upper Lockyer home, in south east Queensland, in the early hours of July 30 after police received reports she had been critically injured by a ride-on mower.
However, police confirmed days later her death was being treated as suspicious.
Queensland Police Detective Superintendent George Marchesini held a press conference on Friday morning and confirmed they believed Ms Crawford was murdered.
Her body was found by emergency services at the bottom of a retaining wall in her backyard, along with the lawnmower.
‘After extensive forensic testing, as a result of that, we can’t at this stage definitely determine how she has come to be at the bottom of that retaining wall,’ Det Spt Marchesini told reporters.
Investigators have also uncovered Ms Crawford’s husband Robert had been messaging other women on dating apps around the world and in Australia, and had relationships with some of them in his ‘personal and professional life’.
‘We believe there were women that were involved with relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Frances that will assist with this investigation,’ he said.
Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at her Upper Lockyer home, in south east Queensland , in the early hours of July 30 after police received reports she had been critically injured by a ride-on mower
Detectives seized the lawnmower following Ms Crawford’s death
‘We can say Mr Crawford has connected with women nationally and internationally.’
Det Spt Marchesini would not confirm if Mr Crawford was being treated as a suspect in his wife’s murder but said they were not looking at anyone else.
‘At the time we talked about how we believed it wasn’t a random attack, we don’t believe there were other people involved, however any information that comes to hand, we will investigate,’ he said.
Mr Crawford had called triple zero and has been assisting police with enquiries. He has not been arrested.
Police said he has connected with women in countries such as the US, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and within multiple states in Australia.
Her husband Robert, who made the triple-0 call, has been assisting detectives with their inquiries
Mr Crawford is a Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader based out of Amberley Airforce Base.
Det Spt Marchesini said police had been called to the home over reports of domestic violence in July last year, but no apprehended violence orders were in place then or at the time of Ms Crawford’s death.
‘The purpose of today is to appeal for public assistance as investigations continue into the circumstances,’ he said.
‘We’re confident that there are people who are out there who have vital information.’
