Update in woman’s ride-on mower death as police allege husband was connected to ‘multiple women’ through dating apps

Police claim the husband of a woman who was allegedly killed in an apparent ride-on mower accident had been messaging multiple women all over the world on dating apps. Frances Elizabeth Crawford, 49, died following an incident with a ride-on mower at a Thomas Rd property in Upper Lockyer Valley just before 3.40am on July 30. Emergency services found her on the bottom of a retaining wall located in the backyard of the property. Forensic testing and analysis of how Ms Crawford ended up in that location remain under investigation. In early August, Queensland Police said they were treating Ms Crawford’s death as “suspicious” but on Friday said they are investigating whether she was murdered. “Investigations are underway by the Crime and Intelligence Command Homicide Group and Gatton Criminal Investigation Branch into the circumstances that lead to her death,” Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said. Superintendent Marchesini said several lines of inquiry were being pursued by homicide detectives. He said one line included the relationships they believe Ms Crawford’s husband, Robert, had with “multiple women”. “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,” Superintendent Marchesini said. “Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications, and through his personal and professional life.” Mr Crawford was at the property on the night his wife died and has been assisting police since her death. He has not been charged and he has not been named as a suspect. Investigators revealed Mr Crawford had connected with women in Italy, United States of America, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and every state in Australia except South Australia and Tasmania. “We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage,” Superintendent Marchesini continued. He said a number of people had provided information since the last public appeal. “The past few months have been extremely challenging for Frances’s family and her children, who are desperate for answers, and it’s time for those with information, no matter how small, to come forward,” Superintendent Marchesini said. Anyone with information that can assist with investigations and who had connections with the address or Mrs Frances Crawford or Mr Robert Crawford, as a couple or outside of the marriage, is encouraged to come forward and contact police.