Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman died , with detectives confirming her husband had been messaging a string of women around the world on dating apps.
Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead at her Upper Lockyer home, in south east Queensland, in the early hours of July 30 after police received reports she had been critically injured by a ride-on mower.
However, police confirmed days later the mother-of-three’s death was being treated as suspicious.
Queensland Police Detective Superintendent George Marchesini held a press conference on Friday morning and confirmed they had launched a homicide investigation.
Her body was found by emergency services at the bottom of a retaining wall in her backyard, along with the lawnmower.
‘After extensive forensic testing, as a result of that, we can’t at this stage definitely determine how she has come to be at the bottom of that retaining wall,’ Det Spt Marchesini told reporters.
Investigators have also uncovered Ms Crawford’s husband Robert had been messaging other women on dating apps around the world and in , and had relationships with some of them in his ‘personal and professional life’.
Police said he has connected with women in countries such as the US, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and every state and territory in except for South and Tasmania.
‘We believe there were women that were involved with relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Frances that will assist with this investigation,’ Det Spt Marchesini said.
‘We can say Mr Crawford has connected with women nationally and internationally.
‘We are particularly interested in people who knew of Frances and Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage.’
Det Spt Marchesini said police did not believe it was a random attack.
‘However any information that comes to hand, we will investigate,’ he said.
He added Mr Crawford was at the home the night his wife died and had phoned triple zero after finding her.
He has been assisting police with enquiries.
Mr Crawford is a Royal n Air Force Squadron Leader based out of Amberley Airforce Base.
Det Spt Marchesini said Friday’s press conference was ‘to appeal for public assistance as investigations continue into the circumstances’.
‘We’re confident that there are people who are out there who have vital information,’ he said.
He also confirmed police had visited Ms Crawford’s home about a year before she died.
Ms Crawford, who grew up in the Toowoomba region, was a respected local psychologist, with the community left reeling in the wake of her death.
July 30, 3.40am: Emergency services are called to Frances Crawford’s home in the Upper Lockyer Valley, in Queensland. She is found dead in her backyard near a retaining wall and lawnmower
Her death is initially thought to have been an accident involving the lawnmower rolling over
August 1: Queensland Police confirm they are treating her death as suspicious
Ten police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is located in bushland at the end of a 1km-long driveway
The vehicles included two forensics vans, detectives in a four-wheel drive, a ute filled with forensics supplies, two patrol vehicles, and uniformed officers in an unmarked car
August 2: Police confirm Ms Crawford’s husband Robert was assisting police with enquiries
October 4: Police confirm they believe Ms Crawford was murdered