It has been over two years since Krystal Anderson, a beloved mother of four, vanished outside her Aiken County home.
Despite ongoing investigations, her remains have not been found, leaving her family in a painful limbo as they continue to seek answers and closure.
Authorities allege that Anderson’s boyfriend, Tony Berry, murdered her on Aug. 20, 2022, hiding her body in the trunk of his car. Investigators claim Berry’s son, Darius, assisted in concealing the crime by burning the vehicle in a remote wooded area in Newberry County days later.
The charred car was eventually discovered, and Berry has been charged with kidnapping and murder. He remains in custody without bond.
For Anderson’s sister, Shadira Smothers, the pain of that day is as fresh as ever.
“That day changed my entire life. I can never forget that exact date,” Smothers shared.
Initially, Smothers struggled to believe Berry or his son could be involved. She held onto hope that Darius might be innocent.
“My heart wanted to believe Darius just got caught up in something his father did. I thought maybe he really had nothing to do with it,” she said. “But I was misled the entire time.”
The case has taken a devastating toll on Anderson’s family, particularly her four children, who are left without their mother. Vigils held in her honor, with balloons and candles, serve as both a tribute to her memory and a plea for justice. But for Smothers, the passage of time has only deepened the wounds.
“It doesn’t get easier—it gets harder. The more time passes, the more you start to lose faith. And that’s the hardest part,” she admitted.
Private investigator Chandra Cleveland explains that cases like Anderson’s are especially challenging, with law enforcement unable to share every detail of their investigation.
“Law enforcement can’t provide play-by-play updates of their investigation,” Cleveland said. “It’s hard for families, but if you don’t have a private investigator, you can still spread the word in your community.”
Cleveland also cautioned families against attempting to solve cases independently, warning of the risk of tampering with evidence.
“As a family, you want to solve the crime on your own, but please don’t. If you tamper with evidence, it could let someone get away with murder,” she said.
Despite the heartbreak and uncertainty, the search for Krystal Anderson continues.
Law enforcement remains determined to bring her home and hold those responsible accountable. For her family, closure remains elusive, but their fight for justice endures.