Pathologist says victim's injuries don't match lawnmower death claim
A pathologist said Frances Crawford's injuries don't match a lawnmower falling on her. However, they do match strangulation patterns.
Frances Crawford was found dead on her family's Brisbane property on 30 July 2024. She lay next to a ride-on mower below a retaining wall.
Robert John Crawford, a former RAAF pilot, pleaded not guilty to murder. The pathologist noted red marks on her neck and a scratch on her chin.
These don't match a lawnmower dropped on her repeatedly. Bleeding in both eyes matches what doctors see in suffocation cases, like strangulation.
The prosecution says Crawford strangled his wife and staged the scene as an accident. The trial continues.
Why it mattersPathology evidence shows whether a death was accidental or criminal. Strong evidence can change the outcome of a murder trial.
AustraliaA Brisbane murder trial is underway with significant community interest in how Queensland courts handle complex forensic evidence.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au·7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
