A Queensland jury has been shown text messages exchanged between Robert Crawford and his wife Frances Crawford before her death in July 2024, ABC News reported on 12 November 2026. Mr Crawford has pleaded not guilty to murdering the 49-year-old psychologist, and prosecutors allege he manipulated the scene at their Upper Lockyer home to appear she died in a ride-on lawn mower accident.

The jury heard the couple were trialling a reconciliation after a separation, and saw months of messages in which Ms Crawford at times raised his past infidelity and his effort to repair the relationship. Hours before her death, Mr Crawford messaged that he missed her, the jury heard. Messages sent that night from her phone, which prosecutors allege Mr Crawford sent to support his account, were also shown.

The jury was read a note found on Ms Crawford's phone describing the emotional impact of his affairs, and heard recordings of calls he made about her insurance and superannuation. A lawn mower steering wheel was tendered as evidence. The trial continues.