Murder charges against a woman accused of killing her same-sex spouse before a destructive fire at their home have been dropped, though she will face other charges related to the death.
Anastasia Marshall, 29, was previously charged with murdering her ex-wife in a horrific house fire in Adelaide last October.
Krystal Marshall, 38, was found dead inside the Aldinga Beach home on October 20, 2023 after the fire was extinguished.
While she will not stand trial, Anastasia Marshall will still face charges of destruction of human remains to pervert the course of justice, arson of a building and three counts of assisting an offender. Advertiser reported.
The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard that Jonathan Paul Parker, 48, is charged with murder, destruction of human remains to pervert the course of justice and arson of a building.
Parker was charged last October, but his name was suppressed by court order until April.
Anastasia Marshall was granted bail for house arrest in May, but Parker remains in custody.
Prosecutors previously alleged that Marshall and Parker conspired so she could avoid blame for the death.
Anastasia Marshall, 29, is pictured left with her ex-wife Krystal Marshall, 38, and one of their children.
Prosecutors alleged she gave “multiple versions” of the events leading up to Krystal’s death, and that she discussed seeking the addresses of witnesses.
Marshall’s attorney, Craig Caldicott, told Judge Mary-Louise Hribal that she would plead not guilty to the charges she faces.
Stephen Ey, who represents Parker, said he needed more time before his client could enter a plea as the case involved “substantial” material.
The case is scheduled to return to court in August.
Jonathan Paul Parker (pictured) is charged with murder, destruction of human remains to pervert the course of justice and arson of a building.
Krystal Marshall had been living with her ex-wife, their two children and a friend.
Two dogs and a cat were rescued from the burning house by neighbors, who did not realize that Krystal was also inside.
“The kids were at school. I went to pick up the youngest one 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 couple of years, but we never divorced. We were together for 11 years.”