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Australian woman accused of two murders over five years Australian mother accused of murdering adult children
(about 4 hours later)
An Australian woman has been accused of murder and torture over the deaths of two people whose bodies were found five years apart. An Australian woman has been accused of murdering two of her children and torturing a third, in alleged crimes that spanned at least five years.
The woman, 51, knew both alleged victims - a woman, 18, and man, 26, police said. Authorities would not confirm reports she was their mother. Maree Crabtree, 51, was arrested on Queensland's Gold Coast on Wednesday.
Queensland Police said the woman under arrest had also repeatedly assaulted a 25-year-old woman "over several years". Police allege she killed her daughter, 18, in 2012, and her son, 26, last year. Both had disabilities.
The two deaths were initially treated as suicides, local media outlets said. Authorities alleged Ms Crabtree was motivated by financial gain. Her lawyer, Emily Lewsey, said she would vigorously defend the charges.
The teenager's body was discovered at a house on Queensland's Gold Coast in 2012. The man was found dead last July at a property in the same region. Queensland Police said another of Ms Crabtree's daughters, now 25, had been tortured, causing her to suffer "significant harm over a significant period of time".
The Courier Mail newspaper reported that both had disabilities. Authorities have not yet said how they died. They did not detail the nature of any allegations.
The woman is expected to face a court in Brisbane on Wednesday on two charges of murder, as well as separate counts of torture, grievous bodily harm, fraud, attempted fraud, and armed robbery. "These are pre-meditated and calculated, financially driven crimes," said Insp Mark Thompson. "They are not the acts of a compassionate mother."
Police Insp Mark Thompson said the investigation included alleged incidents that had happened "across Australia". Fraud allegations
"That is why we are appealing for anyone who may have any information that could assist with the investigation," he said in a statement. Local media named the alleged murder victims as Erin and Jonathan Crabtree. Their bodies were found, five years apart, in separate houses on Queensland's Gold Coast.
The deaths were initially treated as suicides until suspicions were later raised, the Courier Mail newspaper reported.
Police allege Maree Crabtree tried to make dishonest insurance claims worth almost A$1m (£600,000; $800,000) through death and other benefits.
She was charged with two counts of murder, as well as separate charges of torture, grievous bodily harm, fraud, attempted fraud, and armed robbery.
Police Insp Mark Thompson said the investigation included alleged incidents that had happened in other Australian states.
"The family in question have a significant history within New South Wales and other states of Australia," he said.
'Traumatic' investigation
Police said they would not divulge details of the allegations until they were discussed in court.
Isnp Thompson described it as a complex investigation that had "taken its toll" on investigators.
"It's extremely traumatic as investigators to see what has happened to these children over an extended period of time," he said.
It is alleged Ms Crabtree acted alone, he added.
Insp Thompson urged the public to inform authorities if they suspected vulnerable people were being exploited or abused.Insp Thompson urged the public to inform authorities if they suspected vulnerable people were being exploited or abused.
Ms Crabtree faced a court in Brisbane on Wednesday and was remanded in custody.