‘Hire a lawyer’, Anastasia Marshall told as secrecy order slapped on alleged murder of ex-wife Krystal
Shock details of the pair accused of killing a mum of two have been kept secret as the ex-wife of Krystal Marshall appeared in court.
Police & Courts
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A woman accused of murdering her ex-wife and lighting her body on fire was told by police to hire a lawyer a month before detectives arrested her out of caution she would flee the state, a court has heard.
On Friday afternoon, murder accused Anastasia Marshall asked the Adelaide Magistrates Court to release her on bail because she has no prior criminal charges and strongly denies allegations she was involved in Krystal Marshall’s death.
Anastasia Marshall has been charged with one count each of murder, arson and defiling human remains to pervert the course of justice after the body of her 38-year-old ex-wife was found at their Aldinga Beach home last year.
A 48-year-old male co-accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons and was living at the address, has also been charged, with police alleging that he and Anastasia both played a role in Krystal’s death after he was asked to leave the home.
Specific details of the allegations against the pair were today suppressed and the bail hearing adjourned until early next month.
Emergency services were called to a home on Barracoota Crescent in Aldinga Beach in October last year after a neighbour reported seeing smoke coming from the roof.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze and when they checked the home, they found Krystal’s body.
Fire investigators attended the scene to determine the cause of the blaze and following the investigation, Southern District
Days after the incident, Anastasia was seen at the home, telling reporters Krystal’s death was “sad”.
Nick Vadasz, for Anastasia, told magistrate Kate White his client had been told to seek legal advice as detectives had been investigating her since the incident last year.
“She has remained in the community since, knowing that police were considering laying charges,” Mr Vadasz said.
“She first attended my office in very early January after she was told to see a lawyer, because it was possible she’d have charges laid against her.
“She’s been in the community for four months without absconding or reoffending. The question of interfering with evidence can now be completely removed.”
Appearing via audio visual link from the cells below the courtroom, Anastasia sobbed as prosecutor Matt Dunn opposed all forms of her release.
“Prosecutors are opposed to all forms of bail due to the seriousness of the allegations. The maximum penalties for these charges include life imprisonment,” Mr Dunn said.
He said Anastasia’s family members were looking to relocate interstate, which prompted police to arrest her now.
“That is one of the many reasons why the defendant has been apprehended now.
“Police are concerned that now she’s been charged, she may flee the state.
Ms White remanded Anastasia in custody to continue the bail application in March.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray on Thursday said police were hoping to hear again from a person who contacted Crime Stoppers with an online report at 5.25pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
“That person conveyed specific knowledge in respect to the murder and who might be responsible. It’s very important to the investigation that person get in touch and ask to speak to Major Crime,” he said.
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