# Robert Crawford murder trial in Queensland > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/robert-crawford-murder-trial-in-queensland > Updated: 2026-11-10T00:44:40.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 5. Former Royal Australian Air Force pilot Robert John Crawford is standing trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court for the alleged murder of his wife, Frances Elizabeth Crawford. The prosecution contends that Crawford strangled his wife and staged a scene at their Upper Lockyer property to make her death appear to be an accident involving a ride-on lawnmower. Prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting financial motives, alleging Crawford killed his wife to avoid losing significant assets, including a $2 million home and his superannuation, during a potential divorce settlement. Testimony regarding the marriage described it as “toxic,” with witnesses citing Crawford’s infidelities and Frances Crawford’s expressed fears for her safety. Evidence suggests Frances was working on an “exit plan” to leave the marriage and was due a favorable financial settlement. Crawford has pleaded not guilty. His defense maintains that the death was a tragic accident, claiming Frances was caught under the steering wheel of a ride-on mower while attempting to move it away from automated sprinklers. During the proceedings, a 22-minute emergency call was played to the jury, and police body camera footage was shown. Forensic evidence presented to the jury noted the mower was reversing slowly with its headlights off when it went over a retaining wall, and that the steering wheel was locked to the right. Senior Sergeant Stephen Coote of the Queensland Police forensic crash unit testified that police held early suspicions that the death was staged. ## Claims - Robert Crawford is accused of murdering his wife, Frances Crawford. (reported by 3 sources) - Robert Crawford pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. (reported by 3 sources) - Frances Crawford was found dead on July 30, 2024. (reported by 3 sources) - Prosecutors allege Crawford murdered his wife to avoid losing a $2 million home and superannuation. (reported by 2 sources) - The defense claims Frances Crawford died from crushing injuries or traumatic asphyxia involving the mower steering wheel. (reported by 2 sources) - Senior Sergeant Stephen Coote testified that police had early suspicions the crash was staged for homicide. (reported by 2 sources) - Police believe the mower was reversing with its headlights off when it went over the retaining wall. (reported by 2 sources) - The mower was found with its steering wheel locked all the way to the right. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-10: Robert Crawford accused of murdering wife and staging mower accident Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford is accused of murdering his wife and staging a lawnmower accident to avoid a divorce settlement. Crawford has pleaded not guilty to the charges. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-crawford-murder-trial-prosecution-alleges-staged-lawnmower-accident ### 2026-11-07: Robert Crawford on trial for alleged murder of wife Frances Crawford Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford is on trial in Brisbane, accused of murdering his wife and staging her death as a lawnmower accident following years of marital infidelity. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-crawford-on-trial-for-alleged-murder-of-wife-frances-crawford ### 2026-11-02: Robert Crawford trial: Pilot accused of murdering wife Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford is on trial in Brisbane, accused of murdering his wife, Frances Crawford, and staging her death as a lawnmower accident to avoid a divorce settlement. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-crawford-trial-pilot-accused-of-murdering-wife ### 2026-10-29: Robert Crawford on trial for alleged murder of wife Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford is on trial in Brisbane, accused of murdering his wife and staging a lawnmower accident to secure a $5.4 million fortune. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-crawford-murder-trial-emergency-call-played-to-jury ### 2026-10-26: Robert Crawford on trial for alleged murder of wife in Queensland Former RAAF pilot Robert Crawford is on trial in Brisbane for the alleged murder of his wife, Frances Crawford, whom prosecutors claim he strangled and staged as a lawnmower accident. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-john-crawford-pleads-not-guilty-to-wifes-murder --- Cite as: Robert Crawford murder trial in Queensland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/robert-crawford-murder-trial-in-queensland