Wife feared Crawford more than breaking up, trial hears
Sister testified the victim said she wished her RAAF pilot husband would die in a crash rather than face divorce.
Frances Elizabeth Crawford's sister told Brisbane Supreme Court that six days before Frances was found dead, she said she wished her husband would have a car accident and kill himself rather than face divorce.
Tamara Davis said her sister described the marriage as "in disrepair" and felt scared and overwhelmed. Frances was worried that divorce would leave her broke because Robert Crawford wanted to take all the money.
Police body-worn camera footage from July 2023 showed Frances called police after Crawford broke into their home following her discovery of his infidelities. She told officers she feared for her safety and said her husband did not understand domestic violence.
Crawford is accused of strangling Frances on 30 July 2024 and positioning her body beside a ride-on mower to make her death look like an accident and avoid a costly divorce settlement. He has pleaded not guilty.
- 30 July 2024
- Death date
- Near Toowoomba, Queensland
- Location
- 49 years old
- Victim's age
Why it mattersThe trial evidence shows the victim's state of mind and the marriage breakdown prosecutors argue gave Crawford motive.
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