He moved to Thailand after his wife's drowning. When he returned to Brisbane, police were waiting.

On November 27, 2020, Jacqueline Davidson and her husband, Graeme Davidson, visited Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane, to kayak.

Instead, she would drown.

After being rushed back to shore, witnesses and emergency services performed CPR on Jacqueline, but they were unable to revive the 54-year-old.

She was declared dead at the scene.

For years, it would be thought to be a tragic accident.

Police evidence included the lake's conditions at the time of Jacqueline's death. Image: AAP/Jono Searle.

In May 2025, more than four years after Jacqueline's death, her husband, 55, was charged with murder, fraud and attempted fraud.

Davidson, a former army officer, moved to Thailand after Jacqueline's death.

He was arrested in Brisbane on Sunday, May 4, while visiting the Queensland capital.

'Incidents are not always what they initially seem.'

A homicide probe was launched "18 months to two years" after Jacqueline's death, as police investigations for a report to the coroner uncovered more evidence.

Police now allege there was "some form of breakdown in the relationship" at the time of Jacqueline's death.

"The cause of death was drowning, but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious," Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters on Monday.

"Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation.

"Through their tenacious work, we have justice for the woman who tragically died that day as well as her family."

Police allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after Jacqueline's death.

"The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million," Inspector Windsor said.

"They were quite extensive."

Inspector Windsor added that police had discussed the possibility of extradition, but instead chose to charge Davidson when he visited for family reasons.

"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.

"Police will always investigate serious matters thoroughly, no matter how long they may take."

Davidson has been refused bail and his matter went before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, May 5.

He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody after his matter was adjourned until May 19.

— AAP.

If you or anyone you know needs to speak with an expert, please contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) — the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Feature Image: Facebook.