He Moved to Thailand After His Wife Mysteriously Drowned While Kayaking. Now He's Charged with Murder
Graeme Davidson is facing charges of murder (domestic violence), fraud and attempted fraud over the killing of his wife Jacqueline Davidson
Jacqueline drowned while the couple were on a kayaking trip at Lake Samsonvale in Queensland, Australia, on Nov. 27, 2020
Authorities allege Graeme tried to claim a $1 million life insurance payout after Jacqueline's death
A man is facing multiple charges in connection with the 2020 death of his wife after it was initially reported to police that she accidentally drowned during a kayaking trip, authorities in Australia said.
Graeme Davidson, 55, was arrested on May 4 and charged with murder (domestic violence), fraud and attempted fraud in relation to the death of his wife, Jacqueline Davidson, 54, according to reports from News.com.au, 7News Australia and The Guardian, which cite court documents. It's unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
The suspect was taken into custody by police during a trip to Brisbane from Thailand, where he had been living recently, the Queensland Police Service said in a May 5 press release. Police did not share the suspect and victim's name in the press release but confirmed to PEOPLE that the two were married at the time of the killing.
On Nov. 27, 2020, the couple were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale near Forgan Cove when the woman reportedly fell into the water and drowned, police said. When they got back to shore, witnesses and emergency personnel performed CPR. However, she could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the scene, per the release.
Google Maps Lake Samsonvale in Queensland, Australia.
Lake Samsonvale in Queensland, Australia.
The woman's death was initially believed to be an accident, but after obtaining expert statements, including the conditions of the lake at the time of her death, and information from witnesses, the woman is now believed to have been murdered, according to police.
This led to the arrest of Graeme, whom authorities allege was involved in the death of his wife. He was denied bail and appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 5, per the release.
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Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters this week that Graeme allegedly tried to claim a $1 million life insurance payout after Jacqueline's death, The Guardian reported. Windsor added that investigators believe 'some form of breakdown in the relationship' occurred around the time Jacqueline was killed, per the outlet.
'Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation,' Windsor said in the press release. 'Through their tenacious work, we have justice for the woman who tragically died that day as well as her family."
He added, "This is also an important reminder to the community to report any suspicious circumstances to police as you see them. Even if they seem insignificant, they may be an important piece to the puzzle in an investigation."
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