Authorities in Florida are searching for a woman they describe as “dangerous” after she was accused of killing a 43-year-old man and leaving his body in a shallow grave.
Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, is facing charges in the death of Jason Christopher Coulthart, whose remains were discovered over the weekend buried on a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said.
The search for Johnson remains active, and investigators say she may have already traveled out of Florida and into Georgia.
Officials are now offering a reward of up to $11,000 for information that leads to her arrest.
According to authorities, Johnson is “known to manipulate individuals into providing her transportation, money, or other assistance using sympathy narratives, such as domestic violence and other personal hardships.”
Investigators said she could be moving between several areas, with known connections in Florida’s Okaloosa and Walton counties, multiple counties in Georgia, the city of Newnan, and parts of lower Alabama.
Johnson is also suspected of using multiple aliases while “actively” avoiding law enforcement, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Dowdy and possibly Denise, officials said.
She is described as a white woman, 38 years old, about 5 feet 3 inches tall and 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Authorities noted she has a floral tattoo on her left hand, a tattoo on her forefinger and another on her right ankle.
Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, who is wanted for murder in Florida, may now be in North Georgia as she continues to evade capture. Authorities warned she is ‘dangerous’
Johnson is charged in the killing of Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, whose body was found in a shallow grave on a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport
She was captured on security footage days after the victim’s remains were found, wearing a white T-shirt with her hair in a ponytail as she appeared to stand at a counter while holding her phone.
Investigators noted that Johnson’s appearance may have changed, as they believe she may have recently cut or dyed her hair ‘in an attempt to disguise her identity.’
‘Johnson should be considered dangerous. If you see her, do not approach her. Call 911 immediately,’ the Newnan Police Department said in a Thursday statement.
On May 24, Coulthart was last seen leaving the College Condominiums before he was reported missing to Niceville Police later that night.
Authorities said they ‘developed information’ that ultimately led them to the Freeport property in Florida’s Panhandle weeks later.
During their search, police found human remains buried in a shallow grave, which the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed through DNA testing belonged to 43-year-old Coulthart.
‘This is not the news we hoped to deliver to our Niceville community,’ Niceville Chief of Police Mark Hayse said of the discovery, according to Fox News.
‘We stand with Jason’s family and will continue working closely with our partners to see this case through,’ he added.
Above: Johnson is captured on security footage days after the victim’s remains were found
On May 24, Coulthart was last seen leaving the College Condominiums before he was reported missing to Niceville Police later that night
The ongoing investigation has already led to the arrests of several other people, all accused of helping Johnson evade capture.
Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, both of Santa Rosa Beach, were arrested on July 10 and charged with offenses including accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction.
Authorities said both provided Johnson with a place to stay, supplies and transport, while also misleading deputies searching for her. They allege White knowingly helped her hide between June 25 and June 30.
Officials said he initially denied knowing Johnson but later admitted she had stayed at his home on multiple occasions during that period, according to WALA 10 News.
Authorities said White also sheltered Johnson and a second suspect, Martin Leaverton, supplied them with supplies and coordinated Johnson’s move.
Morris, who lives at the same address, was also taken into custody after investigators said she admitted to transporting Johnson, providing her with supplies and misleading deputies about her presence at the home.
Investigators said text messages recovered from her phone and interviews with Martin and Sandra Leaverton further corroborated that White and Morris knowingly helped Johnson hide out.
The Leavertons allegedly admitted to retrieving Johnson’s belongings, providing her with a cellphone and trying to arrange a place for her to hide outside Florida. Both remain in custody at the Walton County Jail.
The ongoing investigation into Coulthart’s death has led to the arrests of several other people all accused of helping Johnson evade capture
Investigators said Johnson’s appearance may have changed and believe she may have recently cut or dyed her hair ‘in an attempt to disguise her identity’
Bobbi Wagstaff, 31, was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to capital murder and possession of methamphetamine.
‘Anyone found to have helped or who is still assisting Isabelle Johnson avoid arrest will be charged accordingly,’ Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said.
‘If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will face consequences,’ he added. ‘This is a homicide. We will not allow anyone to get in the way of this investigation.’
The sheriff’s office said everyone involved knew one another, though authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of their relationships.
Officials added that preliminary findings indicate the incident was isolated and domestic in nature, with no ongoing threat to the public.
According to Coulthart’s obituary, he was an electrician by trade who ‘found deep satisfaction in working hard, guiding others and helping people grow and succeed.’
‘Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed fishing, boating, watching sunrises and sunsets, and playing basketball with his son,’ it read.
‘Jason will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and generous spirit. He left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.’
If you have any information that could help with the case, call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 892-8111 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 863-8477.
