Australia

Frances Crawford’s shattered family plead for help worldwide after RAAF pilot husband Robert allegedly pursued women on dating apps around the world – as he stands accused of murdering her

The family of a mother-of-three allegedly killed by her RAAF pilot husband have launched a global plea for information in the run-up to his arrest.

Robert Crawford, 47, allegedly killed his wife Frances, 49, and moved her body to make her death look like a riding mower accident on their property in Upper Lockyer, southeast Queensland, at 3.40am on July 30 .

He was arrested on Thursday after police last week issued a public appeal for people to come forward as they revealed he had allegedly been messaging women on dating apps around the world and in Australia.

Police will allege he had links with women in countries including the US, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and every state and territory in Australia except South Australia and Tasmania.

Ms Crawford’s relatives – including some in New Zealand and in the Netherlands, where her parents are from – added to the police announcement their own online appeal for people to come forward with information.

‘At the request of the family, please share!’ wrote a cousin in the Netherlands.

‘The more it is shared, the greater the reach: information or tips are sought internationally!’

Another family member who shared the call wrote: “If anyone knows anything about this please contact Queensland Police.”

Frances Crawford was found dead at her Upper Lockyer estate in the early hours of July 30

Frances Crawford was found dead at her Upper Lockyer estate in the early hours of July 30

Robert Crawford (pictured) has been charged over her alleged murder

Robert Crawford (pictured) has been charged over her alleged murder

‘Frances is my uncle’s sister and the family is really hurting right now.

“Your love and support would be appreciated.”

Shortly after Crawford’s arrest, Queensland Police said people had contacted detectives in recent days thanking them for their “bravery”.

In recent days, several family members and friends have also paid tribute to Ms Crawford by using a photo of her as their Facebook profile picture.

In the comments section of some posts, Ms. Crawford’s mother wrote, “Our beautiful girl.”

Footage released by police on Thursday shows 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 seen being wheeled into the Ipswich watchhouse, where he leaned forward to try to hide his face from the cameras.

Police will allege Crawford had links with other women from Australia and abroad

Police will allege Crawford had links with other women from Australia and abroad

He appeared before Acting Magistrate Sue Ganasan at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Friday, where his lawyer Andrew McGinness asked for the case to be adjourned for two weeks.

Crawford, who has been charged with murder (crime of domestic violence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering with it, did not appear in court and did not apply for bail.

Outside court, Mr McGinness did not answer questions from reporters.

The Australian Defense Force declined to comment and referred all questions to Queensland Police.

Mrs Crawford was a psychologist, while her husband was a RAAF Squadron Leader, operating from the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 5 miles south-west of Ipswich.

Last month, Crawford listed the “peaceful, off-grid” family home for rent on Airbnb for $350 a night.

The ad made no mention of the July tragedy and advertised it as a peaceful 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.

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

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

He is pictured being escorted from his home in Queensland on Thursday

He is pictured being escorted from his home in Queensland on Thursday

Mrs. Crawford is remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend, and a valued member of her community

Mrs. Crawford is remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend, and a valued member of her community

Following news of Crawford’s arrest, her grieving family released a statement describing the “very heavy blow” her children have suffered.

“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.

Crawford’s case will be heard at Ipswich Magistrates Court on October 25.

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