Florida woman charged with murder evading police after body found in shallow grave: sheriff
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A Florida woman accused of killing a man whose body was later found buried in a shallow grave is believed to be moving between multiple states under a string of aliases, with investigators warning the public not to be fooled by the stories she has allegedly used to stay one step ahead of authorities.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, is wanted in connection with the murder of 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart and is believed to be “actively evading law enforcement,” according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Coulthart’s remains were found buried on a property in Freeport, located in Florida’s Panhandle, the sheriff’s office said over the weekend. He was last seen on May 24 leaving the College Condominiums.
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Isabelle Johnson, 38, has been charged in the slaying of 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
After he was reported missing, investigators “developed information” that led them to the property in Freeport, where Coulthart’s body was recovered on June 25.
“This is not the news we hoped to deliver to our Niceville community,” said Niceville Chief of Police Mark Hayse. “We stand with Jason’s family and will continue working closely with our partners to see this case through.”
Investigators believe Johnson was involved in Coulthart’s death and have issued a warrant for her arrest.
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Isabelle Johnson, 38, was captured on security video days after the remains of Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, were discovered last month. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
She is believed to be “actively evading law enforcement,” the sheriff’s office said. Authorities have not disclosed her relationship with Coulthart.
Johnson could be using multiple aliases, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Dowdy, and others, authorities said.
Authorities say Johnson has ties to Florida, Georgia and Alabama and has used multiple aliases, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Elaine Thrash, Jessica Dowdy and possibly “Denise.” Investigators also believe she may have recently changed her appearance.
Isabelle Johnson, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Jason Coulthart, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
In a pointed message posted to social media, the sheriff’s office addressed Johnson directly. “Justice is coming. Isabelle. Harley. Jessica. Whatever you’re calling yourself now,” the agency wrote. “Turn yourself in. Enough is enough.”
Five people have now been arrested in connection with the killing. Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, of Santa Rosa Beach, along with Bobbi Wagstaff, Martin Leaverton and Sandra Leaverton, have all been charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact. Investigators allege White knowingly helped Johnson evade law enforcement between June 25 and 30.
Morris was arrested after admitting she helped Johnson with transportation and supplies, as well as misleading law enforcement officials over Johnson being at her home, FOX 10 News reported.
“Anyone found to have helped or who is still assisting Isabelle Johnson avoid arrest will be charged accordingly,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will face consequences. This is a homicide case. We will not allow anyone to get in the way of this investigation.”
Adkinson has also vowed to hold everyone involved accountable.
“The next step in this investigation is to hold every single person involved in Jason’s death accountable,” Adkinson said. “If they knew, if they helped, or if they chose not to speak up, they will have to answer for their role in this.”
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia also warned that Johnson has been known to manipulate people into helping her.
Jason Coulthart, whose remains were discovered buried in a shallow grave in Walton County, Florida. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
“She is believed to travel between multiple locations and has been known to manipulate individuals into providing her transportation, money, or other assistance using sympathy narratives, such as domestic violence and other hardships,” the agency said.
Authorities also released what they described as the last known video of Johnson, showing her inside a Destin business just days after Coulthart’s remains were discovered.
“It’s possible Johnson has changed her appearance since this video,” the sheriff’s office said. “But it does give a good idea of what her voice may sound like.”
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As investigators continue searching for Johnson, the sheriff’s office is urging the public to remember the man behind the investigation.
Family members described Coulthart as someone who “would give you the shirt off his back,” while friends remembered him for quietly helping people in need. He leaves behind a 20-year-old son.
“Their son. Timothy’s big brother. A father. A friend. Someone who showed up. Someone who made people feel cared for,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “Someone worth knowing. Someone worth finding justice for.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office seeking any updates on the investigation or search for Johnson but did not immediately receive a response.
