EXCLUSIVE
Police have announced they are treating the late-night shooting death of a mother of three by a lawnmower as suspicious.
Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at 3.40am on Tuesday at her home on Thomas Road in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland.
Her body was found after police arrived at the scene following reports that she had been crushed by a lawnmower.
“Further investigation has determined that police are treating the death as suspicious and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing,” Queensland Police said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
‘The police are still waiting for the results of the forensic investigation.’
The shocking news comes after Mrs Crawford’s family broke their silence on Thursday morning when police raided the estate.
Ms Crawford’s parents Joke and Ben Pilon told Daily Mail Australia their son-in-law Robert, an RAAF pilot, was devastated by his wife’s death.
They denied that police had previously been contacted about domestic violence in the home. There is no evidence that he was in any way involved in Mrs Crawford’s death.
“He’s broken,” said Mrs. Pilon.
Frances Crawford, 49, (pictured) was found dead at her home on Thomas Road, in Upper Lockyer, near Toowoomba, south-east Queensland, about 3.40am on Tuesday
A police car is seen leaving the estate on Thursday afternoon after the case was deemed suspicious
Above you see one of the nine police cars that arrived at the building on Thursday
“They lived here happily together. It’s just rumors.”
The Pilons said their daughter, a psychologist, grew up in the local Toowoomba area and the community has been shocked by her death.
Mrs. Crawford is survived by her husband, three children, her parents and siblings.
Nine police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is located in the wooded area at the end of a 1km driveway.
The vehicles consisted of two forensic vans, detectives in an SUV, a van loaded with forensic equipment, two patrol vehicles and uniformed officers in an unmarked car.
According to the Pilons, police have thoroughly investigated the home, which remains a crime scene, and Mr. Crawford has been asked to temporarily leave the property pending investigation.
Mr Crawford is an RAAF cargo pilot and squadron leader – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – who operates from the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km south-west of Ipswich.
Over the past two decades the couple have lived across Australia, including Sydney, Adelaide and Queensland, where Sqn Ldr Crawford has held various positions within the Australian Defence Force.
Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is a squadron commander – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – operating from the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base
Detectives on Tuesday collected evidence from the home (including the lawn mower, pictured) that has now been declared a crime scene
Forensic equipment was seen in one of the arriving cars
Ms Crawford’s body was found after police were called to the property following reports she had been crushed by a ride-on lawnmower
Tributes are pouring in for the respected psychologist, who is known for her “gentle nature” and kindness.
Her brother, David Pilon, said she had “a loving heart.”
“She loved Jesus and it is a great comfort to her family and friends that she is now at peace in heaven,” he told the Toowoomba Chronicle.
‘Frances was taken from her family far too early, but she touched the lives of so many people during her 49 lifetimes.’
He added that she had “a beautiful soul inside and out.”
According to Quality Life Psychology Services, she was a “much loved and respected member” of their team.
“Frances always took the time to ask kindly and considerately about others and often responded with humility and thoughtful humor,” the clinic said.
‘Frances was a pleasant person to be around and her gentle nature will be greatly missed, but she will be long remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Frances’ family at this tragic time.”
