Graeme Davidson charged with wife’s murder 4 years after her death

A former army major Graeme Davidson has been charged with murdering his wife, more than four years after she drowned during a kayaking trip. The incident happened in November 2020 at Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane.

Graeme Davidson, 54, was arrested on Sunday while visiting Brisbane. After his wife’s death, he moved to Thailand. His wife, Jacqueline Davidson, also 54, died while kayaking with him. At the time, police believed it was an accident.

Onlookers and emergency workers tried to save Ms Davidson when they reached the shore. They performed CPR, but she died at the scene.

Police said the death appeared non-suspicious at first. But a later coronial investigation raised concerns. This led to the launch of Operation Victor Harlow, a long and detailed police investigation.

Detectives gathered new evidence, including expert opinions and weather information from the day of the drowning. Police now believe Davidson was involved in his wife’s death.

He has been charged with murder, fraud, and attempted fraud.

Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said Davidson tried to claim more than $1 million from life insurance policies. One of the fraud charges is linked to money he already received. Another charge is for an insurance claim that was denied.

Davidson did not appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday. He was refused bail and will stay in custody until his next court date on May 19.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Davidson served as a major in the Australian Army. He also held the rank of captain in the British Army. He and Jacqueline had been married since 1994.

Inspector Windsor praised the detectives for their hard work. He said, “Not everything is what it seems. We thank the community for helping, even with small bits of information.”