Husband arrested over ride-on lawnmower death
Robert Crawford has been arrested over the death of his wife, Frances, in a late-night lawnmower accident. Photos: Supplied
The husband of a woman who died in an apparent accident with a ride-on lawnmower has been arrested.
Queensland Police said they arrested a 47-year-old man in connection with the investigation into the death of 49-year-old Frances Elizabeth Crawford in Upper Lockyer in July.
Crawford was found dead at the bottom of a steep retaining wall in the backyard of her home about 3.40am on July 30.
Her husband Robert called paramedics to the Lockyer Valley home and has been assisting police with their inquiries.
Police said last week that they had launched a murder probe. Robert Crawford was not named as an official suspect but police said his “relationships” with unknown women in Australia and overseas were key to their investigation.
“We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage,” regional crime coordinator Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said at the time.
Robert Crawford is a Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader based out of the nearby Amberley Airforce Base.
“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,” 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, ACT, Northern Territory, NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.”
Police said on Thursday that several people had provided information since their public appeal.
“[We] thank those people for their bravery in coming forward,” they said.
Frances Crawford was a psychologist with three adult children, all of whom had moved out of the Lockyer Valley home.
Her family said they were grateful for the progress.
“The family is relieved and pleased with this progress being made in the case,” a family spokesperson told the ABC.
“The police have done a wonderful job in supporting the family through this time and in the case.”
The police investigation continues.