A woman in South Australia has been sentenced to almost two years in prison for helping her new partner evade police after the death of her former wife, Krystal Marshall, in 2023. The case has drawn attention because the alleged murder remains unresolved, even though the woman has admitted to helping conceal what happened after the death.

Anastasia Marshall, 32, pleaded guilty to assisting Johnathan Paul Parker in escaping apprehension or prosecution. The court heard that Parker set fire to Krystal Marshall’s remains after a fire at the former couple’s home in Aldinga Beach, south of Adelaide, in October 2023.

Krystal Marshall, 38, was found dead after the fire. At the time, she and Anastasia were separated, but Krystal had allowed Anastasia and Parker to live at her home. The court heard that Anastasia and Parker had kept their romantic relationship secret from Krystal.

Parker has pleaded guilty to destroying human remains. However, he has denied murdering Krystal, and the court had not delivered a verdict in his murder trial as of 23 October 2026. It is therefore important to distinguish the established offences from the unresolved allegation of murder.

During sentencing, Justice Sandi McDonald said Anastasia’s conduct had left Krystal’s family and friends feeling deeply betrayed. The judge said Anastasia had opportunities to contact police but instead chose to help Parker and conceal the circumstances surrounding Krystal’s death.

The court also heard that the household had been affected by heavy methamphetamine use and a difficult atmosphere. The judge said Krystal had continued to support her former wife by allowing her to remain in the home, without knowing about the relationship between Anastasia and Parker.

The judge emphasised that Anastasia was not being punished for Krystal’s death itself, but for the offence to which she had pleaded guilty. The sentence was intended to reflect her decision to assist Parker after the incident and the impact her actions had on Krystal’s loved ones.

Anastasia Marshall received a sentence of one year, 11 months and 16 days in prison, with a non-parole period of seven months. She is eligible for parole in May 2027, although eligibility does not automatically guarantee release.

Outside court, Krystal’s mother, Maureen Brown, spoke emotionally about the loss of her daughter and expressed disappointment with the outcome. She also thanked those who had supported the family throughout the legal proceedings.

The case remains significant because two separate legal questions are involved: Anastasia Marshall’s admitted assistance to Parker, for which she has now been sentenced, and Parker’s unresolved murder charge. The outcome of Parker’s trial will determine the court’s findings concerning responsibility for Krystal’s death.