Alleged body cover-up, frantic texts to hide wanted Florida murder suspect exposed in escape plot: affidavits

Recently unsealed arrest documents are shedding new light on how investigators say a group of suspected accomplices helped a wanted fugitive conceal a body and avoid capture.

Authorities allege those individuals assisted Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, whom deputies have described as a “master manipulator,” as she remained at large for weeks while law enforcement searched for her.

Johnson, a Florida resident, is wanted in connection with the death of Jason Coulthart, 43. Coulthart’s body was discovered June 25 in a shallow grave on a property in Florida, more than a month after he was last seen alive on May 24.

Jason Christopher Coulthart, a 43-year-old man found buried in a shallow grave.

Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, was discovered buried in a shallow grave on a property in Niceville, Florida. He is survived by a son. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

Isabelle Johnson wanted in Jason Coulthart murder investigation

Isabelle Johnson is wanted in connection with the killing of Jason Coulthart, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

One arrest report from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office says a witness told investigators that Johnson allegedly killed Coulthart and later took steps to dispose of his remains.

According to the report, Johnson’s alleged roommate, Bobbie Gean Wagstaff, 31, helped dig the hole where Coulthart’s body was buried.

image shows mugshot of Wagstaff

Bobbie Jean Wagstaff, Isabelle Johnson’s roommate, is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine after investigators alleged she helped conceal the killing of Jason Coulthart. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

A witness in the same report said, “She killed the victim by placing a zip tie around his neck.” The same witness went on to say, “She covered the body with cement so that the dog would not dig it up again.”

Johnson’s possible motive for the alleged murder? The report says the witness told investigators “he was aware of her ‘getting rid’ of a boy because he was ‘aggravating and irritating her.'”

Isabelle Johnson on video

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)

This witness also said that “the ‘boy’ was also threatening to interfere with Isabelle’s custody of her children.”

Wagstaff is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine.

In another report, husband and wife Martin and Sandra Leaverton, of Fort Walton Beach, allegedly admitted driving Johnson multiple times after Coulthart’s body was discovered and helping move her between homes while she was wanted by authorities.

Martin Leaverton arrested in Florida

Martin Leaverton is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder after investigators alleged he knowingly helped murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson evade capture. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

Investigators say the couple tried to help Johnson leave the state and retrieved her backpacks after she fled from deputies, giving her rides to locations where she could avoid capture.

Sandra Leaverton arrested in Florida

Sandra Leaverton was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder after investigators alleged she knowingly helped murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson evade capture. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

“Martin Leaverton agreed to call associates and attempt to arrange safe passage and a place to stay for Johnson outside of Florida,” the report said.

Deputies say the Leavertons provided “rides, supplies, and false information to law enforcement about her location.”

Authorities charged the Leavertons with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.

In another report, more alleged helpers were arrested for assisting Johnson.

Michael White and Kathleen Morris of Santa Rosa, Florida allegedly helped Johnson evade law enforcement after the murder by giving her a place to stay.

Michael White arrested in Florida

Michael White was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and obstruction without violence after investigators alleged he knowingly sheltered murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson, provided her with supplies and lied to law enforcement about her whereabouts. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

Kathleen Morris arrested in Florida

Kathleen Morris was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and obstruction without violence after investigators alleged she knowingly sheltered murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson, provided her with supplies and lied to law enforcement about her whereabouts. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

After initially denying Johnson had ever been at their home, investigators say the pair later admitted they sheltered her at two properties and provided supplies while she was on the run.

isabelle-johnson-wanted-murder-suspect-multiple-photos-16000-reward.jpg

(Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida) (Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida)

The report also includes a string of text messages between Morris, White and another suspect, aforementioned Leaverton, that investigators say show them coordinating Johnson’s whereabouts, discussing her backpacks and referencing efforts to help her.

In one alleged text exchange, Morris texted Leaverton, “Why is Harley on our couch?” before following up with, “More importantly, when are you coming to get her?”

“Harley” is one of the aliases that Johnson has been using, according to the sheriff’s office, along with “Jessica Elaine Bowman” and “Denise.”

image shows split of mug shots from alleged accomplices on left and johnson's mugshot on right

Isabelle Johnson is wanted for murder and investigators say she has been on the run for weeks, relying on help from alleged accomplices to stay hidden from cops. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

Morris later allegedly texted White, “WTF is going on Michael?! Why did Marty leave his young female friend here??? And when is he coming back to get her??????”

Prosecutors also point to messages they say show Morris offering assistance. After Leaverton replied, “I’m headed there now,” Morris allegedly responded, “We talked — anything I can do to help I will. Don’t forget the backpacks please.”

The couple is charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction.

The investigation is ongoing.

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