Charges have been dropped against a woman accused of killing her gay husband before a devastating house fire, but she still faces other charges in connection with her husband’s death.
Anastasia Marshall, 29, was previously charged with the murder of her ex-wife in a horrific house fire in Adelaide last October.
Krystal Marshall, 38, was found dead in the Aldinga Beach home on October 20, 2023, after the fire was extinguished.
Although she will not face trial, Anastasia Marshall will still face charges of destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, arson of a building and three counts of aiding and abetting a criminal. Advertiser reported.
The Adelaide District Court heard that Jonathan Paul Parker, 48, faces charges of murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice and arson of a building.
Parker was charged in October last year, but his name was withheld by court order until April.
Anastasia Marshall was granted house arrest bail in May, but Parker remains in custody.
Prosecutors previously alleged that Marshall and Parker conspired so she would not be blamed for the woman’s death.
Anastasia Marshall, 29, is pictured on the left with her ex-wife Krystal Marshall, 38, and one of their children
According to the prosecution, she gave “multiple versions” of the events leading up to Krystal’s death and allegedly discussed finding out the home addresses of witnesses.
Marshall’s attorney Craig Caldicott told Judge Mary-Louise Hribal that she would enter a plea of not guilty to the charges against her.
Stephen Ey, representing Parker, said he needed more time before his client could enter a plea because the case involved “substantial” material.
The case is expected to return to court in August.
Jonathan Paul Parker (pictured) is charged with murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice and arson of a building
Krystal Marshall lived with her ex-wife, their two children, and a friend.
Two dogs and a cat were rescued from the burning house by neighbors, who didn’t realize Krystal was there.
“The kids were at school. I went to pick up my youngest from school and I saw smoke coming from the house as I was walking down the street,” Anastasia Marshall told reporters at the time.
“We weren’t together for a few years, but we never got divorced. We were together for 11 years.”