A FORMER British Army major has been charged with the murder of his wife during a kayaking trip at a Queensland lake – more than four years after her reported drowning.
Graeme Davidson, 55, was arrested on Sunday at a Brisbane home while visiting from Thailand, where he has been living since shortly after his wife Jacqueline’s death in November 2020.
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Davidson, who also served in the Australian Army, has been charged with domestic violence murder, fraud, and attempted fraud.
Police allege he killed his 54-year-old wife during what was initially believed to be a tragic accident at Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane.
Cops also accuse Davidson of trying to claim more than A$1 million (£500k) in life insurance payouts following Jacqueline’s death.
The couple – believed to have married in 1994 – were kayaking near Forgan Cove on November 27, 2020, when Jacqueline reportedly fell into the water.
Despite bystanders and emergency services performing CPR, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her death was treated as non-suspicious at the time.
But Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters on Monday that further coronial investigations raised red flags, triggering a homicide probe “18 months to two years” after the incident.
Windsor said: “The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious.”
He confirmed detectives gathered witnesses and expert statements, including analysis of lake conditions, during what he described as a “lengthy and arduous investigation.”
“Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work,” he added.
Davisdson, who served in the British Army for 22 years before transferring to the Australian Army, was reportedly living in Thailand for “some years” before returning to Queensland for family reasons.
Police said they considered extradition but decided against it, News.com.au reports.
Instead, officers arrested Davidson upon his return.
Dramatic bodycam footage shows him appearing startled as cops enter the room where he was sleeping on a fold-out sofa.
He sits upright and throws off his blankets before being escorted to a patrol car.
A former friend of Davidson told Daily Mail Australia he and his wife had “huge suspicions” about Jacqueline’s death from the outset.
“We, as couples, became friends from 2010 until Jacqueline’s death, when my wife and I had huge suspicions,” he said.
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He described Davidson as “always trying to get one up,” alleging the former major built a full house on a property in Closeburn instead of a permitted granny flat.
Jacqueline, a beautician based in Chermside, was remembered by the same source as “a beautiful and very friendly” woman.
Det Insp Windsor said police would allege there was “some form of breakdown in the relationship” at the time of her death.
He confirmed the fraud charges relate to Davidson allegedly claiming – and attempting to claim – life insurance policies over $1million.
“The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million. They were quite extensive,” he said.
Davidson’s case was mentioned briefly at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
He did not appear, was refused bail, and will remain in custody until the matter is next heard on May 19.
Police are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.