Army major Graeme Richardson accused of murdering his wife in kayak ‘drowning’ before trying to access $1million in life insurance
An army major has been charged with murdering his wife more than four years after she died in what was initially believed to be an accidental kayaking drowning.
Graeme Davidson, 54, who moved to Thailand after his wife’s death in 2020, was arrested on Sunday while visiting Brisbane.
His wife, Jacqueline Davidson, 54, drowned while kayaking with him at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020.
Ms Davidson could not be revived when they returned to shore despite onlookers and emergency services performing CPR and she died at the scene.
Davidson also allegedly tried to claim more than $1million in life insurance policies after her death.
‘Initially, the woman’s death appeared to be non-suspicious,’ Queensland Police said in a statement.
However, a coronial inquiry led to detectives declaring it suspicious and launching Operation Victor Harlow.
The ‘complex and lengthy’ probe gathered witness and expert statements, including information about the conditions of the lake at the time of Ms Davidson’s death.
Graeme Davidson, 54, has been charged over the death of his wife Jacqueline (pictured together above)
Police will allege Richardson was involved in his wife’s drowning death
‘Police will allege the man was involved in the drowning death of the woman,’ police said.
Davidson has been charged with murder, fraud and attempted fraud.
He was refused police bail and made no appearance at Brisbane Magistrates Court when the matter was mentioned on Monday.
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor confirmed the fraud charge concerns money that was allegedly obtained from life insurance claims.
‘The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million,’ he told the Courier Mail.
‘And there was an attempted fraud, a claim was made.
‘Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation.
Jacqueline Davidson, 54, drowned while kayaking with Davidson at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020
‘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.’
Davidson’s Linkedin profile states he was a major in the Australian Army and a Captain of the British Army.
Is it believed the couple married in 1994.
Davidson will remain in custody, with the matter to be mentioned again on May 19.
