Air Force pilot charged with murdering his wife after her horrific death by riding lawn mower – in heartbreaking explanation for family affair

The RAAF pilot husband of a mother-of-three who died in a reported late-night lawnmower incident has been charged with murder, prompting her grieving family to break their silence.

Frances Elizabeth Crawford, 49, was found dead at her property in Upper Lockyer, southeast Queensland, at 3.40am on July 30.

Her husband Robert Crawford called the police, who found her body near a retaining wall in her backyard.

Queensland Police announced on Thursday that the 47-year-old man had been taken into custody and charged with one count of murder (offence of domestic violence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering with it.

On Friday he was refused bail to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court.

“On July 30, emergency services were initially called to a property in the Lockyer Valley, a private property, in relation to an incident involving, as you know, a ride-on lawnmower,” Detective Inspector George Marchesini told reports on Thursday.

“Frances was found deceased in that property at that time…at approximately 3:47 a.m.”

The investigation continues and there is no further information at this time.

Robert Crawford, 47, was arrested at his home in Queensland on Thursday

Crawford was charged with murder (felony domestic violence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering

Frances Crawford was found dead on her property in Upper Lockyer in the early hours of July 30

Chief Inspector Marchesini also read out a statement released by Ms Crawford’s family following the murder charge, in which he described the ‘very serious blow’ suffered by her children.

“Frances Crawford will be remembered as a loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend and dedicated healthcare worker and valued member of her church and community,” the statement said.

“Her death is devastating to all of us, even more so given the circumstances.

The death of ‘Frances’ 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 indeed suffered a very heavy blow as they each embark on their own journey, but with the support of family and good people around them, they will not be defined by this or what came before.”

The family thanked police, their community and the media, but said they will now focus on “seeking justice for Frances.”

“While today is a step forward, unfortunately nothing will bring Frances back to us. “We know we have a long and difficult road ahead, both in grieving Frances and coming to terms with what has happened,” the statement continued.

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

Police also released footage Thursday of detectives speaking to Crawford barefoot at his home, wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and arresting him before he was escorted to a police car.

He was later captured driving into Ipswich Watchhouse, where he leaned forward to try to hide his face from the cameras.

Crawford is expected to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday

Ms Crawford’s family released a statement thanking police and the community for their assistance with the investigation

The arrest comes after Crawford listed the “peaceful, off-grid” family home for rent on Airbnb in September for $350 a night.

The advertisement made no mention of the July tragedy and advertised it as being for a serene retreat.

‘Our house [is] a short drive to Toowoomba, and beautifully positioned to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature,” it added.

The listing was removed after media publicity.

Last week, police issued a public appeal for anyone with information about the couple and their relationship to come forward.

They revealed Crawford had been messaging women across Australia and internationally on dating apps.

“We believe there were women involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Ms Crawford that could assist in this investigation,” Chief Inspector Marchesini said last Friday.

“Mr. Crawford may have met these women through dating solicitations and in his personal and professional life.”

‘Investigations have revealed that Mr Crawford has had links with women in Italy, the United States of America, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.”

Queensland Police said people had contacted detectives in recent days thanking them for their “courage”.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to come forward and contact police.