Pilot Robert Crawford arrested over death of wife at Lockyer Valley property

Air force pilot Robert Crawford has been arrested over the death of his wife, whose body was found at the bottom of a retaining wall in an apparent accident with a ride-on mower.

Air force pilot Robert Crawford has been arrested over the death of his wife, whose body was found at the bottom of a retaining wall in an apparent accident with a ride-on mower.

Psychologist Frances Crawford was found dead at the couple’s Lockyer Valley home on July 30, with her husband calling emergency services at 3.30am to report the incident.

A statement released by police confirmed the arrest occurred this morning.

“Police have arrested a man following ongoing investigations into the alleged murder of 49-year-old Upper Lockyer woman Frances Elizabeth Crawford in July,” the statement said.

“This morning detectives arrested a 47-year-old man.

Frances Crawford was found dead at her home in the Lockyer Valley on July 30. Picture: Quality Life Psychology Services

“Investigations are continuing and there is no further information at this time.

“Detectives can confirm a number of people have provided information since our last public appeal and thank those people for their bravery in coming forward.”

Mr Crawford was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts with handcuffs on as he was driven into Ipswich Watchhouse.

He briefly leaned forward in an attempt to hide his face from media.

Mr Crawford kept his eyes closed in the backseat, and as he was driven through the roller doors he smirked.

His arrest came less than a week after police called for people who had come into contact with Mr Crawford to contact them, alleging he had been involved with women all over the world during his marriage.

Robert Crawford arrives at Ipswich Police Station. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“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,” Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said.

“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.”

Police were called to the Lockyer Valley home after reports of an accident involving a ride-on mower. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Mrs Crawford was a much-loved mother-of-three who worked as a psychologist at Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba.

She was also involved with Toowoomba’s Restoration Church.

Mr Crawford is a squadron leader with the Royal Australian Air Force based at Amberley Air Base, near Ipswich.

He recently listed their home on AirBnB for up to $350 per night, describing it as a “peaceful” off-grid retreat.

The house had only been advertised online for a month, with the first of the six reviews posted in September.

Robert Crawford ducks forward to avoid the media after his arrest. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The listing received all five-star reviews, with guests describing Mr Crawford as a good host.

Mr Crawford’s host profile referenced the property as “our” house, and stated his most useless skill as juggling.

He also described himself as an amateur beekeeper who is obsessed with music and art.

“Hi there, our house (is) a short drive to Toowoomba, and beautifully positioned to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature,” his bio said.

The listing was removed after The Courier-Mail published an article about it.

Originally published as Pilot Robert Crawford arrested over death of wife at Lockyer Valley property