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'She didn't deserve this': Twist in death of woman thought to have had drug overdose

Police initially thought 38-year-old Deborah Balbi died of a drug overdose, but a twist has emerged.

Ms Balbi was found dead in the Maylands townhouse in South Australia she shared with her longtime partner Michael Johnson in December 2012.

However, her family was shocked when 43-year-old Johnson was charged with her strangling murder some 975 days later.

Initially police thought Ms Balbi died of a drug overdose. Source: 7 News.
Initially police thought Ms Balbi died of a drug overdose. Source: 7 News.

Deborah's brother, Steve Balbi, said in August 2015, "Can't believe she's gone. She didn't deserve this."

On Monday, Johnson, a Salvation Army volunteer and devout Christian, pleaded guilty to killing Ms Balbi.

On Monday Johnson pleaded guilty to killing Ms Balbi. Source: 7News
On Monday Johnson pleaded guilty to killing Ms Balbi. Source: 7News

The judge was told Deborah Balbi's 86-year-old mother will travel from Italy to provide a victim impact statement when Johnson is sentenced in July.