Pilot charged with murder (domestic violence) over ride-on mower death of Frances Elizabeth Crawford

Frances Crawford has been remembered as a ‘loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend’.

Warning: Distressing content.

The husband of a woman found dead in an apparent ride-on mower incident has been charged with her murder.

Frances Elizabeth Crawford, from Upper Lockyer west of Brisbane, was found dead on her property about 3.40am on July 30.

Police arrested her husband, 47-year-old Royal Australian Air Force pilot Robert Crawford, on Thursday morning.

He has been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.

Mr Crawford is set to front the Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday.

Frances Crawford has been remembered as a ‘loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend’. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Crawford has three children and worked as a psychologist in nearby Toowoomba.

Her family said her death has been “devastating to us all, even more so given the circumstances” in a statement.

“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.

“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.”

Ms Crawford was found dead on her property on July 30. Picture: Quality Life Psychology Services

The statement also thanked police, who have been “relentless in their investigations in an effort to provide (the family) answers and to seek justice for Frances”.

“While today is a step forward, sadly nothing will bring Frances back to us,” the statement read.

“We know we still have a long and difficult road ahead, both in grieving Frances and processing what has occurred.

“We would like to thank the community and media for their ongoing support, and assistance in appealing for information.

“As we process our loss and the unfolding events, we respectfully request privacy during this very difficult time.”

Video footage shows Mr Crawford – a squadron leader with the Royal Australian Air Force based near Ipswich – sitting on a couch in his home as police read him his rights on Thursday.

“You are under arrest in relation to the murder … so if I can get you to stand up please,” an officer can be heard saying in video footage released by Queensland Police.

Mr Crawford then stands up before being handcuffed and walked out of the property barefoot.

Robert Crawford was arrested on Thursday. Picture: Queensland Police

Mr Crawford was arrested in his home. Picture: Queensland Police

Emergency services were called to the Upper Lockyer property near Toowoomba in the early hours of July 30.

Ms Crawford’s body was found at the foot of a retaining wall in the backyard of the property near a ride-on mower.

Her husband had made the triple-zero call, was assisting police in their investigation and as of Sunday had not been publicly named as a suspect.

However last week police appealed for information about the couple’s “personal circumstances” and “marriage”, with police alleging Mr Crawford may have connected with women across the globe through dating apps and in his personal and professional life.

“We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage,” Superintendent George Marchesini said last week.

“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.”

Robert Crawford was arrested and taken to Ipswich Police Station on Thursday.

The mower which police found at the scene. Picture: QLD Police

Superintendent George Marchesini on Thursday thanked the community and media for their assistance following the charges.

“As a result of appeals to the public for information we’ve had a number of people who have provided information to detectives and to police, and I’d like to thank those people in particular for their bravery in coming forward to provide that information,” Superintendent Marchesini said.

“We are, though, continuing to appeal to the public for public assistance in relation to any further information they are able to provide to assist the investigation.

“We are asking anyone with information to please come forward and speak to detectives in this matter.”

Originally published as Pilot charged with murder (domestic violence) over ride-on mower death of Frances Elizabeth Crawford