Robert Crawford, 46, court mention for murder charge over death of wife Frances on Lockyer Valley property
Police could face “complications” on the gathering of evidence in the case of a Queensland air force pilot charged with the murder of his wife, who was found dead near a ride-on mower, a court has been told.
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Police could face “complications” on the gathering of evidence in the case of a man charged with the murder of his wife, who was found dead near a ride-on mower, a court has been told.
Frances Crawford, a psychologist and mother-of-three, was allegedly murdered by her husband Robert Crawford, who police allege then moved her body in an attempt to conceal her death as a ride-on mower accident on or about July 30, court documents revealed.
Emergency services were called to the couple’s Lockey Valley property about 3:30am after Crawford raised the alarm.
The 46-year-old was charged with murder and inferring with her corpse earlier this month after an extensive police investigation where officers urged women who had connections with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadron leader to come forward.
Speaking for the first time since their mother’s alleged murder, Frances’ three adult children said in a statement they had been blown away by the “overwhelming gratitude by the donations and the kind response from the community”, with more than $15,000 raised through GoFundMe.
Suzanne Duffy, who created the GoFundMe page, said Frances’ children were “deeply” affected by the “terrible injustice” of the 49-year-old’s alleged murder.
Ms Duffy said people from all walks of Frances’ life had reached out to help.
“Whilst Frances’ children are currently receiving professional support to help them process this tragedy, they are relying on the generosity and compassion from the Australian community to continue that support in helping them rebuild their young adult lives without their mother.”
Detective Superintendent George Marchesini previously revealed Crawford had “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.
“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,” he said.
“Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications, and through his personal and professional life.”
Supt Marchesini previously read a statement on behalf of Frances’ devastated family.
“Her death has been devastating to us all, even more so given the circumstances,” part of the statement read.
“We are thankful that police have been relentless in their investigations in an effort to provide us answers and to seek justice for Frances.”
The statement acknowledged that although the murder charge was a “step forward”, the family faced a “long and difficult road ahead, both in grieving Frances and processing what has occurred”.
Frances worked as a psychologist at Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba.
She was also involved with Toowoomba’s Restoration Church.
Crawford 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.
The Australian Defence Force has been made aware of Crawford’s murder charge.
It is ADF practice to suspend a member from service, immediately cancelling the member’s access to Defence bases and ICT systems, if they are facing serious allegations and/or charges.
Crawford’s matter was briefly mentioned in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday.
Lawyer Daniel Boddice appeared on lawyer Andrew McGuinness’ behalf and asked for a further adjournment until November 1.
The court was told police were seeking a date in February next year for the brief of evidence to be prepared.
The 46-year-old did not appear and bail cannot be applied for in relation to murder in the magistrates court.
“The arresting officer is on leave in December and January,” a police prosecutor told the court.
“I’ve made inquiries as to whether there are other officers who can compile it while the officer is on leave.”
Mr Boddice said there were “concerns” about the delay in the matter which would be further raised by Mr McGuinness at the next appearance.
The court was told this could include whether there were any “complicating” features on the gathering of evidence, which would impact how long the matter would take.
Crawford’s matter was adjourned to November 1.
He was remanded in custody.
Originally published as Robert Crawford, 46, court mention for murder charge over death of wife Frances on Lockyer Valley property
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