Authorities in Florida are searching for a woman charged with murder after a man’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave, saying she is avoiding capture and may be traveling under more than one alias.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced that Isabelle Johnson, 38, is wanted in connection with the death of 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart.
Coulthart, who was last seen on May 24 leaving the College Condominiums, was later found buried on a property in Freeport, a community in Florida’s Panhandle, officials said over the weekend.
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 Coulthart was reported missing, investigators said they “developed information” that directed them to the Freeport property, where his 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 a warrant has been issued for her arrest as the search for her continues.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, was seen 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.
Three other people have been arrested in connection with the killing. Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, of Santa Rosa Beach, were arrested for accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction. Investigators believe White knowingly helped Johnson evade law enforcement between June 25 and June 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.”
Authorities released surveillance video that captured Johnson inside a business, days after Coulthart’s remains were discovered. She may have changed her appearance since, the sheriff’s office said.
