Robert Crawford trial: wife's notes show marriage in freefall
Frances Crawford weighed staying despite infidelity and fear; she died next to a mower Robert Crawford claims was an accident.
A Brisbane jury has heard notes written by Frances Crawford in which she listed pros and cons of staying married to Robert Crawford, a former RAAF pilot now on trial for her murder. Frances Crawford knew he was unfaithful and a liar, yet wrote that staying would be a testament to God's faithfulness.
The couple's property was worth about $2 million. Frances died on 30 July 2024 next to a ride-on mower.
Crawford claims it was a late-night accident; a pathologist told the jury the injuries were hard to reconcile with a mower fall and showed signs of asphyxiation. Their children testified they never saw their mother ride the mower and feared for her safety.
- 30 July 2024
- Date of death
- $2 million
- Property value
- More than 25 years
- Marriage length
- 22 minutes
- Triple zero call length
Why it mattersThe trial raises questions about fatal domestic disputes and what forensic evidence can reveal about contested deaths.
AustraliaThe case is being heard in Brisbane Supreme Court and reflects broader concern about domestic safety and how courts assess contested injury deaths.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 15 h ago
