Upper Lockyer death: Bombshell twist as police give major update over mum killed in late night lawnmower tragedy – after detectives mount huge swoop on family home

EXCLUSIVE

Police have announced they are treating the late-night shooting death of a mother of three by a lawnmower as suspicious.

Frances Crawford, in her 40s, was found dead at 3.40am on Tuesday at her home on Thomas Road in Upper Lockyer, south-east Queensland.

Her body was found after police arrived at the scene following reports that she had been crushed by a lawnmower.

“Further investigation has determined that police are treating the death as suspicious and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing,” Queensland Police said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

‘The police are still waiting for the results of the forensic investigation.’

The shocking news comes after Mrs Crawford’s family broke their silence on Thursday morning when police raided the estate.

Ms Crawford’s parents Joke and Ben Pilon told Daily Mail Australia their son-in-law Robert, an RAAF pilot, was devastated by his wife’s death.

They denied that police had previously been contacted about domestic violence in the home. There is no evidence that he was in any way involved in Mrs Crawford’s death.

“He’s broken,” said Mrs. Pilon.

A police vehicle is seen on the estate on Thursday morning

One of the vehicles was a police officer in an unmarked van

“They lived here happily together. It’s just rumors.”

The Pilons said their daughter, a psychologist, grew up in the local Toowoomba area and the community has been shocked by her death.

Mrs. Crawford is survived by her husband, three children, her parents and siblings.

Nine police cars were seen arriving at the property, which is located in the wooded area at the end of a 1km driveway.

The vehicles consisted of two forensic vans, detectives in an SUV, a van loaded with forensic equipment, two patrol vehicles and uniformed officers in an unmarked car.

According to the Pilons, police have thoroughly investigated the home, which remains a crime scene, and Mr. Crawford has been asked to temporarily leave the property pending investigation.

Mr Crawford is an RAAF cargo pilot and squadron leader – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – who operates from the Royal Australian Air Force base at Amberley, about 8km south-west of Ipswich.

Over the past two decades the couple have lived across Australia, including Sydney, Adelaide and Queensland, where Sqn Ldr Crawford has held various positions within the Australian Defence Force.

Husband Robert Crawford (pictured) is a squadron commander – a senior position and the equivalent of a major in the army – operating from the Royal Australian Airforce Amberley Base

Detectives on Tuesday collected evidence from the home (including the lawn mower, pictured) that has now been declared a crime scene

Forensic equipment was seen in one of the arriving cars

Tributes are pouring in for the respected psychologist, who is known for her “gentle nature” and kindness.

According to Quality Life Psychology Services, she was a “much loved and respected member” of their team.

“Frances always took the time to ask kindly and considerately about others and often responded with humility and thoughtful humor,” the clinic said.

‘Frances was a pleasant person to be around and her gentle nature will be greatly missed, but she will be long remembered by her colleagues, friends and clients at Quality Life Psychology Services.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Frances’ family at this tragic time.”