Queensland psychologist Frances Crawford was murdered, police say, as husband’s relationships under scrutiny

A Queensland psychologist and mother-of three whose death was initially reported as a lawnmower “rollover” was murdered, police now believe.

And her husband’s “relationships” with unknown women — both in Australia and a number of countries overseas — have emerged as a clue in the investigation.

Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead on an Upper Lockyer property, west of Brisbane, about 3.40am on July 30.

Paramedics were told she was involved in a “mower rollover”.

Days later, police officially confirmed her death was being treated as suspicious.

It was also revealed her husband, Robert Crawford, was under investigation over her death.

On Friday, Detective Superintendent George Marchesini reiterated that Robert Crawford remains at the centre of the investigation.

“We are now alleging Ms Crawford was murdered,” he said.

Robert Crawford has not been charged, with Marchesini saying police are seeking more information about him, including from women he had “relationships” with.

“We are particularly interested in people who knew of Frances and Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage,” the detective said.

“We believe there were women involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Frances that will assist in this investigation.

“Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications and through his personal and professional life.

“We can say Mr Crawford has connected with women nationally and internationally, specifically Italy, United States of America, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and nationally in Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.”

7NEWS understands police had previously been called to the couple’s home over reports of domestic violence, but no domestic violence orders were ever put in place.

It was Robert Crawford who called emergency services at 3.37am on July 30, Marchesini said.

Frances Crawford’s body was “located at bottom of retaining wall at rear of the premises”, he said.

Asked whether Robert Crawford was a suspect in his wife’s death, Marchesini responded that the investigation remains “active”.

“Obviously, Mr Crawford was at the location that night, had called emergency services and has assisted police to this date,” he said.

“There’s been extensive forensic testing and that includes pathology testing and, as a result of that, we can’t at this stage definitively determine how she’s come to be at the bottom of that retaining wall and it remains subject to the investigation.”

He would not say if it is believed Frances Crawford was murdered with the mower.

“She was located at the bottom of a retaining wall. The mower was located at the bottom of the retaining wall, along with Frances, who was deceased at the time she was located when emergency services arrived,” he said.

The property where she was found dead is currently up for rent on AirBnB for $350 per night and is described as a “peaceful artist retreat”, an “absolute bush paradise” and a place to “calm, stylish space”, 7NEWS understands.

Her husband is listed as the host, described on the platform as an amateur beekeeper obsessed with music and art.

Tributes flow for Frances

Frances Crawford’s grieving family described her as having “a loving heart”.

“She always saw the best in others,” the family said in a statement in the days after her death.

“She cared deeply about the people around her and put their needs before her own.”

As a psychologist, Crawford specialised in a clinical approach called mindfulness therapy for both adults and children at Quality Life Psychology Services in the Toowoomba suburb of Kearneys Spring.

Her colleagues paid tribute to her skills and professionalism as a psychologist.

“We remember Frances Crawford as a very skilled psychologist and valued and respected team member in the Quality Life Psychology Services family,” the clinic said earlier in a statement.

“Frances was a true professional and was highly regarded by her clients and colleagues.

“At this time, we are all still stunned and coming to terms at the news of her untimely demise, and we extend to her immediate and church families our most sincere condolences.

“Frances will be sorely missed by all.”

Her church pastor on Friday called her death “devastating” and told 7NEWS the revelation she was murdered “makes our sorrow and grief even more profound.”