Daughter-in-law Rebekah de Malmanche said while it was a different case, because the Bali Nine pair had intentionally smuggled drugs, she was still feeling it.
"There's just no mercy - it's been really emotional, I think I cried most of the day," she said.
"I know they're gone, but their families have to live with this for the rest of their lives. My heart breaks for them."
Rebekah and de Malmanche's son Ashley spoke to the Chronicle about the toll his drugs case was taking on them.
"Firstly with Tony, we just know he's innocent," Rebekah said. "We can't stress that enough.
"He's not capable of doing what he's been put behind bars for. He wouldn't do it - he doesn't like the stuff to begin with."
The 52-year-old has five sons, one who has died, and four grandchildren. "He's just a good guy - he loves his grandchildren so much," Rebekah said.
In December, he travelled to Hong Kong to meet his internet girlfriend "Jessie" before flying to Bali, where he was arrested.
Rebekah said de Malmanche genuinely thought "Jessie" was the real deal. "He's just a really trusting guy - he'd take the shirt off his back for anyone in need."
Since December, he has been held in Kerobokan Prison while his family have been rasing money for his defence. Much of the legal work so far has been done pro bono.
"Ashley and I are focusing on the fundraising," Rebekah said.
About $3000 has been raised locally through garage sales and sausage sizzles for the legal bill which will top $100,000. A givealittle page called Antony de Malmanche Legal Fund has so far raised $16,000.
"We had a lot of people wanting to help. It's dribbling in but it's better than nothing," Rebekah said.
"It's been a very emotionally stressful time, financially as well.
"All the family has taken on a lot of financial responsibility - we've got very young families. It's hard, but we do it because we know he's innocent."
Rebekah and Ashley are kept in the loop with what is going on in the trial through family liaison James Bellamy, who is also making a documentary on the case. De Malmanche's son Shaun visited him in prison last month.
A source of support has been their church. The family, including Antony, attend Grace Baptist Church in Whanganui. Pastor Nick Watt said the church had been writing to de Malmanche and he had sent a couple of letters back.
"We try to keep the conversation off his plight and give him information about what's happening at home," Mr Watt said.
Mr Bellamy is flying to Bali this weekend and will be in court at the next appearance on Thursday. De Malmanche's health is an issue - he has had three angina attacks since he first collapsed in court last month.
-The next fundraising sausage sizzle is on June 13 outside Mitre10 in Whanganui.