Man accused of drowning wife, claiming $1m insurance
Laine Clark and Lloyd Jones |
Years after his wife died while kayaking, a man has been accused of murder and trying to claim more than $1 million in life insurance.
Graeme Davidson, 55, who now lives in Thailand, has been charged over the death of his wife Jacqueline.
Ms Davidson, 54, drowned while kayaking with her husband at Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane, in November 2020.
She could not be revived when they returned to shore and died at the scene despite onlookers and emergency services performing CPR.
Her death was considered an accidental drowning.
But police investigations for a report to the coroner uncovered further evidence and a homicide probe was launched “18 months to two years” after her death.
“Police are alleging the male person was involved in the drowning in the lake,” Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters on Monday.
Under Operation Victor Harlow, detectives gathered witness and expert statements including information about the lake’s conditions at the time of Ms Davidson’s death.
The “complex and lengthy” probe led to Davidson being charged with murder, fraud and attempted fraud following his arrest in Brisbane on Sunday.
“The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious,” Insp Windsor said.
“Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation.”
Insp Windsor said the married couple were living together but police would allege there was “some form of breakdown in the relationship” at the time of Ms Davidson’s death.
He said police would allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after his wife’s death, confirming they related to the fraud charges.
“The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million,” Insp Windsor said.
“They were quite extensive.”
He said Davidson had been living in Thailand for a “number of years”, prompting police to discuss extradition.
But Insp Windsor said police chose “not to go down that path” and instead charged Davidson when he visited Brisbane for family reasons.
Davidson was refused police bail and his matter went before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody after his matter was adjourned until May 19.
AAP
