Authorities in South Carolina believe they have located the remains of Krystal Anderson, a mother who went missing in August 2022. This development comes in the context of an ongoing investigation into what are alleged to be her boyfriend’s actions that led to her presumed murder.
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Krystal Anderson disappeared from Aiken County, leaving behind her four young children. Her sister, Shadria Smothers, has been vocal about the impact of her sister’s disappearance, expressing deep concern and sorrow. “I try not to think the worst, but sometimes I do,” Smothers stated. She highlighted that Krystal, 30 at the time of her disappearance, was a devoted mother and sister who would never abandon her children voluntarily.
Following the investigation into her disappearance, Tony Berry, Anderson’s boyfriend, was arrested and charged with kidnapping and murder. Evidence reportedly surfaced when Anderson’s DNA was allegedly found in the trunk of Berry’s vehicle, which was later discovered burned in a remote wooded area of Newberry County.
In the years following Krystal’s disappearance, her family has endured an agonising wait for answers. In an emotional plea made in August 2025, three years after her sister went missing, Smothers appealed to the public for any information that could aid in locating Krystal. “I know they say life is not fair, but it’s really unfair to a family that’s in the dark and is grieving over a loved one,” she said.
Recently, Aiken County deputies announced that they recovered human remains buried alongside Highway 37, near Blackville. While DNA testing is pending to confirm the identity of the remains, investigators believe they may belong to Krystal Anderson. Private investigator Chandra Cleveland revealed to local media that personal belongings found with the remains matched items that were associated with Krystal, intensifying hopes for closure within her grieving family.
Cleveland expressed her harrowing feelings on the matter: “It was devastating … it’s just like the first day it happened when she went missing.” She emphasised the potential for the family to finally give Krystal a proper resting place, which may provide a sense of peace and closure for her children.
Tony Berry’s trial, which was set to commence next week regarding his alleged involvement in Anderson’s disappearance and presumed murder, has now been postponed due to the recent discovery of the human remains. The new development may significantly affect the legal proceedings and the timeline of justice for Krystal and her family.
As of last year, Krystal’s children were separated and living with various family members, which has added to their distress. Commenting on the situation, Smothers said, “I think the hardest thing for them is being separated.” She noted that they frequently connect through FaceTime to maintain their sibling bond, though it is a considerable adjustment for them, particularly for the youngest child, who is just six years old. Smothers reflected on this struggle: “She went from being raised with siblings to being raised like an only child.”
The community continues to rally around Krystal’s family, hoping for answers and justice. As investigations progress and the trial looms ahead, the search for truth and closure in this heartbreaking case remains ongoing.