Frances Elizabeth Crawford was one of those people who always checked in on others. She was caring and selfless. Beautiful inside and out. That’s how her family, friends and colleagues described her in life and now in death. Sometime, maybe in the early hours of July 30 this year, on a freezing cold winter’s night in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, she lost her life. At 3.37am her body was found at the bottom of a rear retaining wall near the family’s spacious and beautifully kept rural retreat. She was dead when police and emergency services arrived at the property in the darkness that morning. Near her body was the family’s ride-on mower. Initial reports suggested a lawnmower rollover. But it begged the question — why was she using a ride-on mower in the early hours of the morning, in the dark, on such a frigid night? Two months later, police have sensationally revealed that Frances Crawford was murdered. She was just 49 – a mother to three young adult children whom she adored – and wife to Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Robert Crawford, who was based at Amberley Air Base, near Ipswich. Family desperate for answers It was her husband, Robert, who called triple-0 that morning and he was, according to police, the only other person at the home that evening. The couple’s three children had all moved out and were making their own way in the world. Police have revealed that Ms Crawford’s husband had been having relationships with women across the world and around Australia, some of whom he met on dating apps and through his professional life travelling the globe regularly. Detectives now want those lovers to come forward, saying they may have crucial information to assist with the murder investigation. Ms Crawford’s family and her children are desperate for answers, and police say anyone with information about the couple and their relationship should contact police. Ms Crawford, who worked as a psychologist in Toowoomba, was laid to rest at a moving funeral service on August 9. Belongings cleared, home listed for rent Within weeks of her death, Ms Crawford’s belongings were removed from the home and Mr Crawford listed it for rent on Airbnb, describing it as a luxury retreat. The listing reads: “Beautiful luxury house in secluded bush outlook. No expense spared. It’s simply bush paradise and you will feel the stress melt away.” There are several different listings online for the home. One says it is a “peaceful artist retreat” where you can book the entire house. “Absolute bush paradise in the lower escarpment of Toowoomba … If you like hiking take a scenic adventurous walk through 150 acres of pristine wildlife where you’ll encounter echidnas, wild deer, wallabies and koalas.” Mr Crawford’s Airbnb profile, on the listing, says he was born in the 70s, is an amateur beekeeper and is obsessed with music and art. His most useless skill is juggling. The listing pictures a piano and guitar, with the caption: “Music Room. If you play piano, help yourself and enjoy playing my baby grand. I’ll leave some music in the seat for you.” The home is set well back and is not visible from the road in the Upper Lockyer, near Withcott. Guests who have stayed there have been glowing in their online reviews of the home and property’s beauty, and in Mr Crawford as a host. The first guests posted reviews in September. The profile said the host Rob had been hosting on Airbnb for one month. Appeal for information Southern region police crime coordinator Superintendent George Marchesini fronted the media on Friday to appeal for anyone with any information, no matter how large or small, to come forward. Superintendent Marchesini said police believed Ms Crawford’s husband Robert was the last person to see her alive on the evening before her body was found. He did not discuss the details of Ms Crawford’s injuries but said police had conducted forensic testing and pathology tests. Asked if Mr Crawford was a key suspect in the case, Superintendent Marchesini said he could not go into the specifics of the investigation. He said police were keen to speak with anyone who knew of the Crawfords and their personal circumstances and marriage. He said that included women who were in relationships with Mr Crawford — in Italy, the US, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand, as well as across Australia, including in West Australia, the ACT, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Superintendent Marchesini said that a year earlier, in July 2023, officers had attended the Upper Lockyer property “in regards to a call for service” relating to domestic and family violence. But at the time of Ms Crawford’s death there were no domestic violence orders in place. “We are open to any information personally about Mr Crawford or Frances that can provide some further information as to how this has occurred,” Superintendent Marchesini said. “Any information that comes to hand will certainly assist investigators and will bring some peace to the family after the tragedy that has occurred.” Dearly loved Ms Crawford worked at Quality Life Psychology Services in Toowoomba, providing clinical assessments and therapy for adults, adolescents and children. Ms Crawford’s workplace said she had been a “dearly loved and well respected” member of their team. In the days following her death, Ms Crawford’s heartbroken work colleagues and church community said her death had left a huge hole in all their hearts. She was described as thoughtful, caring and selfless. Pastor Peter Sondergeld is the lead pastor at the Restoration Church in Toowoomba, which the Crawford family attended. “The tragic news of her passing is devastating to us,” Mr Sondergeld said. “We have lost a thoughtful, caring, selfless person who blessed so many within our church. “Frances always had time to check in and care for others,” he said. “She was a beautiful person and her passing has left a hole in our hearts. Despite her wonderful qualities, what breaks our heart the most is the loss of our friend.”
