Police probe man’s online hook-ups after wife’s mower death deemed murder

A woman found dead in a reported ride-on mower incident west of Brisbane was murdered, police now believe.

Investigators have revealed her husband was in contact with other women around the world and are calling for them to come forward.

Frances Elizabeth Crawford was found at the bottom of a retaining wall on a Thomas Road property in the Upper Lockyer Valley about 3.30am on July 30.

Frances Crawford.

The 49-year-old’s husband, Robert Crawford, called triple zero, telling police she had been killed by a mower.

“Following extensive investigations, police have deemed her death suspicious … we’re now alleging she was murdered,” Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said on Friday.

“We believe there are women who were involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information that will assist with this investigation.”

The property in Upper Lockyer.Credit: Nine News

Mr Crawford had not been named a suspect and was reportedly assisting investigators.

Police believed he was in contact with women across almost all Australian states, the US, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand.

He might have met some of them through online dating apps.

“We’re confident there are people out there with vital information … it doesn’t matter how small or insignificant you feel that information may be,” Marchesini said.

“We’re particularly interested in speaking to people who knew of Frances and 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 Frances that will assist with this investigation.”

Police had previously said there were no domestic violence orders in place between the couple.

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