Guest’s shock stay inside Lockyer Valley ‘mower death’ home

A guest who stayed at a Lockyer Valley Airbnb rental where police suspect a woman was murdered had no idea of the property’s eerie past.

Police are investigating the suspicious death of a Frances Crawford (left) after the 49-year-old died at her Upper Lockyer home on July 30.

A guest who stayed at a Lockyer Valley home where police suspect a beloved mum was murdered had no idea of the property’s eerie past, saying the woman’s husband never mentioned his wife or the current murder investigation.

Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at her Thomas Rd home on July 30 after her husband, Robert Crawford, found her body and called emergency services around 3.30am.

Mrs Crawford’s body was found at the bottom of a retainer wall in what was first reported as a lawnmower incident, but police now believe the mother-of-three may have been murdered.

Queensland Police announced on Friday it was looking into multiple connections Mr Crawford had with women all over the world, and in Australia, who police said he met on dating applications and through his work as a RAAF pilot.

Frances Crawford, 49, a psychologist, was found dead on an Upper Lockyer property. Picture: Quality Life Psychology Services

Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Robert Crawford.

Just two months after Mrs Crawford’s death, Mr Crawford listed the home where police believe she was likely murdered on Airbnb as a “peaceful” retreat. The listing has since been taken down.

No charges have been laid over Ms Crawford’s death and the investigation remains ongoing.

A guest who recently stayed at the property said Mr Crawford mentioned his children, but never mentioned having a wife, or that she had died on the property he was renting out.

“He mentioned his kids, it sounded like they were older and not living at home,” the guest said.

“But there was no mention of the wife.”

The guest, who won’t be named, booked the Upper Lockyer home for him and his partner in September.

The property on Thomas Rd where Mrs Crawford was found dead. QLD Police

The off-grid property was listed for up to $350 per night, and had only been advertised on the site in the last two months.

The guest was one of six people who had stayed at the property.

“The entrance to the place was about 1 km off the road, it was an isolated marvel in the middle of the bush,” he said.

They communicated with Mr Crawford multiple times in the lead up to their stay, saying he was an impeccable host.

“As a host, he did communicate a lot, he even did a grocery shop for us and asked us what milk we prefer.”

The husband of a woman found dead at their Lockyer Valley property is advertising the home for rent on Airbnb.

The guest said the house was void of any personal belongings – no photographs or sentimental items – except for some pieces of art. One piece of art was unfinished.

He said one wing of the house was completely closed off to guests.

The first in-person interaction they had with Mr Crawford was just before they left the property.

“There wasn’t much communication during our stay, but we did meet him on check-out.

“On our way out we met him and had a good chat. He poured us a fresh bowl of honey from his beehive.”

Mr Crawford labelled himself an “amateur beekeeper” on his Airbnb profile. He also said his most useless skill was juggling.

The guest said they spoke briefly and he mentioned his children, but Mr Crawford never mentioned his wife, or that she had recently been found dead on the property.

They said they were oblivious to what had happened.

The husband of a woman found dead at their Lockyer Valley property is advertising the home for rent on Airbnb.

“No, no way, we had no idea (what happened).

“He never mentioned anything, no mention that he had just lost his wife.”

The home is on a rural property outside of Toowoomba, and has a “deep” waterhole just a few hundred metres from the property.

The bottom of the rock retaining wall where Mrs Crawford’s body was found is below a steep drop-off from the house level.

A lawnmower was found next to Mrs Crawford’s body, but police are still investigating her death.

The Airbnb listing was taken down on Saturday.

Mr Crawford has been assisting police with the investigation, which police are now treating as a possible murder. Police have not identified a suspect.

Bodycam footage from the morning Mrs Crawford was found dead on her Lockyer Valley property. QLD Police

“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. Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications, and through his personal and professional life,” Superintendent George Marchesini said.

“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”.

Originally published as Guest’s shock stay inside Lockyer Valley ‘mower death’ home