The family of a mother-of-three allegedly murdered by her RAAF pilot husband made a global plea for information in the lead up to his arrest.
Robert Crawford, 47, allegedly killed his wife Frances, 49, and moved her body to make her death appear to be a ride-on lawnmower accident at their rural property in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland, at 3.40am on July 30.
He was arrested on Thursday after police last week made 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 connected with women in countries such as the US, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and every state and territory in Australia except for 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 with their own online appeals for people to come forward with information.
‘At the request of the family, please share!’ a cousin in the Netherlands wrote.
‘The more it is shared, the bigger the reach – information or tips are internationally sought!’
Another relative who shared the appeal wrote: ‘If anyone knows anything about this please get in touch with Queensland Police.’
Frances Crawford was found dead on her Upper Lockyer property during the early hours of July 30
Robert Crawford (pictured) has been charged over her alleged murder
‘Frances is my uncle’s sister and the family is really hurting now.
‘Your love and support would be appreciated.’
Shortly after Crawford’s arrest, Queensland Police said people had reached out to detectives in recent days and thanked them for their ‘bravery’.
In recent days, several family members and friend have also paid tribute to Ms Crawford by using a photo of her as their Facebook profile pictures.
In the comments section of some of the posts, Ms Crawford’s mother wrote: ‘Our beautiful girl’.
Footage released by police on Thursday showed detectives speaking to a barefoot Crawford dressed in a T-shirt and shorts at his home and placing him under arrest before he was escorted to a police car.
He was later seen being driven into Ipswich watchhouse, where he leaned forward to try and hide his face from the cameras.
Police will allege Crawford had connected with other women from Australia and overseas
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 one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering, did not appear in court and did not apply for bail.
Outside court, Mr McGinness did not answer any questions from reporters.
The Australian Defence Force declined to comment and referred all enquiries to Queensland Police.
Ms Crawford was a psychologist while her husband was a RAAF Squadron Leader, who operated out of the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km southwest of Ipswich.
Last month, Crawford put the ‘peaceful off-grid’ family home up for rent on Airbnb for $350 a night.
The listing made no mention of the tragedy in July and was advertised as a serene 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 one count of murder ( domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse by interfering
He is pictured being escorted from his Queensland home on Thursday
Ms Crawford has been remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend, and valued member of her community
Following the news of Crawford’s arrest, her grieving family released a statement, describing the ‘very difficult blow’ her children have been dealt with.
‘Frances Crawford will be remembered as a loving mother, beloved daughter, sister and friend and dedicated health professional and valued member of her church and community,’ the statement read.
‘Her death has been devastating to us all, even more so given the circumstances.
‘Frances’ passing 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 been dealt a very difficult blow indeed as they each embark on their own journeys, however with the support of family and good people around them, they will not be defined by this or what has gone before.’
The family thanked police, their community and the media but said they will now be focused on ‘seeking justice for Frances’.
‘While today is a step forward, sadly nothing will bring Frances back to us. We know we still have a long and difficult road ahead, both in grieving Frances and processing what has occurred,’ the statement continued.
Crawford’s matter is next due before Ipswich Magistrates Court on October 25.
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