Husband charged with murder over wife’s kayak death at Lake Samsonvale

The moment police arrest a man accused of killing his wife during a kayaking trip more than four years ago has been captured on video.

The moment a man accused of murdering his wife during what was initially believed to be a tragic kayaking accident has been captured on dramatic police bodycam footage.

Graeme Davidson, 55, is charged with murder (domestic violence), fraud, and attempted fraud after his 54-year-old wife Jacqueline drowned during a kayaking trip at a popular lake north of Brisbane in 2020.

Police allege Mr Davidson tried to claim more than $1m in life insurance after her death.

The couple were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale near Forgan Cove in the Moreton Bay region on November 27, 2020, when Ms Davidson fell into the water and could not be revived.

Police arrested Graeme Davidson on Sunday after he returned to Australia from Thailand, where he had been living for several years. Picture: Queensland Police Service

He appeared startled by officers. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Witnesses and emergency services performed CPR, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dramatic bodycam footage captures the moment detectives confront and arrest Mr Davidson at a residence, announcing they are there to charge him with his wife’s murder.

Mr Davidson appears startled as officers enter the room where he is sleeping on a fold-out sofa.

He quickly throws off the blankets and sits upright as police move in before escorting him outside to a waiting patrol car.

Mr Davidson has been charged with the murder of his wife Jacqueline.

Speaking to media at the Caboolture Police Station on Monday morning, Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor confirmed Ms Davidson’s death was initially treated as non-suspicious, and police were required to investigate and satisfy the coroner that no foul play was involved.

Police arrested Mr Davidson on Sunday after he returned to Australia from Thailand, where he had been living for several years.

He returned for “family reasons”, police said.

Inspector Windsor said further expert analysis and witness accounts raised concerns about Ms Davidson’s death that warranted a deeper investigation.

“It was a case of talking with witnesses and gaining further evidence,” Inspector Windsor said.

Ms Davidson drowned while kayaking in Queensland. Picture: Supplied / Channel 9

He said Operation Victor Harlow began about 18 months to two years after the incident and led to Mr Davidson being charged.

Inspector Windsor confirmed the couple were living together at the time of the incident, though their relationship was reportedly breaking down.

Inspector Windsor also confirmed that police allege Mr Davidson attempted to claim life insurance policies worth more than $1m following his wife’s death.

He said one of the fraud charges related to a claim made for a considerable sum, allegedly in the hundreds of thousands, which was not paid out.

She fell into the water and drowned at Lake Samsonvale. Picture: Supplied / Channel 9

Inspector Windsor said the investigation team “meticulously” went through all the evidence.

He confirmed that extradition was considered during the investigation but ultimately not pursued.

During a brief mention at Brisbane Arrests Court on Monday, Mr Davidson was represented by lawyer Matthew Ingram. Mr Davidson was not required to appear in court, and no application for bail was made.

The matter was adjourned until May 19.

Authorities initially treated the woman’s death as non-suspicious. Picture: Supplied / 7News

Inspector Windsor said investigations “are not always what they initially seem”.

“I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation,” he said.

Inspector Windsor urged anyone who saw something suspicious to report it to police, “even if they seem insignificant”, as it “may be an important piece to the puzzle in an investigation”.

“Police will always investigate serious matters thoroughly, no matter how long they may take,” he said.

Originally published as Husband charged with murder over wife’s kayak death at Lake Samsonvale