A man charged with murdering his wife allegedly fraudulently claimed life insurance over her death, which was initially considered an accidental drowning.
Graeme Davidson, 55, and Jacqueline Davidson, 54, were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale near Forgan Cove, north of Brisbane, on November 27, 2020 when she reportedly fell into the water and drowned.
Graeme Davidson, 55, has been charged with murder and fraud. (Supplied)
Bystanders performed CPR but were unable to revive her. She died at the scene.
Her death was initially considered an accidental drowning. However, further coronial investigations led detectives to declare it as suspicious.
Moreton District Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said a homicide investigation was launched "18 months to two years" after the incident.
The investigation was launched under Operation Victor Harlow, and detectives gathered expert statements, including information from witnesses and about the conditions of the lake at the time of Ms Davidson's death.
Mr Davidson was arrested yesterday during a visit to Brisbane from his current address in Thailand. Police will allege he was involved in his wife's drowning death.
He has been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence), fraud and attempted fraud.
Acting Inspector Windsor said police would allege Mr Davidson made a fraudulent life insurance claim and attempted to make a second claim.
The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million, he said.
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A 'lengthy and arduous' investigation
Acting Inspector Windsor said it was a complex and lengthy investigation.
"Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation," he said.
He said Mr Davidson had been in Thailand for "some years" when the homicide investigation started, and police considered extradition but it was decided against.
The 55-year-old had returned to Queensland for family reasons when he was arrested, Acting Inspector Windsor said.
Mr Davidson's case was mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning. He did not appear and the matter was adjourned until later this month.
Live Moment
Police addressed the media after a man was charged with murder and fraud.
Cause of death initially deemed to be drowning
Detective Acting Inspector Windsor says police deemed the matter to be suspicious after talking with witnesses and gaining further evidence
"Police have consulted with a number of different experts from different fields," he says.
He says the man charged was spoken to initially after the woman's death to provide a version to police as a witness.
He says police will investigate matters seriously "no matter how long they take".
Family and domestic violence support services:
If you need help immediately, call emergency services on triple-0.