Authorities launch manhunt for accused murder in disguise
Criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno weighed in on the ongoing search for a woman accused of killing a 43-year-old man in Florida, describing how investigators say the fugitive has relied on aliases, shifting looks and the alleged manipulation of others to stay ahead of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department.
A Florida sheriff’s office is releasing fresh details about a murder suspect on the run, including newly publicized identifying marks, as authorities warn she may have altered her hair and overall appearance during a manhunt that has now stretched for a month.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, is wanted in connection with the killing of Jason Coulthart, 43, whose remains were found June 25 in a shallow grave on a property in Freeport, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said.
“One month of searching for Isabelle Johnson, and our search has not slowed,” the agency said in its latest request for information from the public.
Detectives now say Johnson has multiple distinctive tattoos that could prove critical in identifying her, even if she has taken steps to disguise herself.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, is wanted in the slaying of 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the sheriff’s office, Johnson is believed to have a rose or flower tattoo on her left hand that starts beneath the thumb and stretches toward the index finger. Authorities also believe she has an unidentified tattoo on her right ankle, along with a large scorpion tattoo that runs from her left buttock down her left thigh.
Investigators suspect Johnson may have cut and dyed her hair in an attempt to change her appearance and avoid detection.
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)
The sheriff’s office once again invoked the aliases Johnson is believed to use.
“Today, we’re releasing additional identifying features belonging to Isabelle, or Jessica, or Harley, or whatever name she’s going by today,” the agency wrote.
Johnson has previously been linked to several aliases, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Elaine Thrash, Jessica Dowdy and possibly “Denise.”
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office says fugitive Isabelle Johnson has a hand tattoo, an ankle tattoo and a large scorpion tattoo on her left thigh. (Walton County Sheriffs Office)
READ MORE: Hero Cop Proposed Hours Before Dying to Save His Fiancée
Authorities say she has ties to Walton and Okaloosa counties in Florida, parts of Georgia and lower Alabama.
Investigators have also warned that she may manipulate people into providing transportation, money or shelter by using stories involving domestic violence or other hardships.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has described Johnson as “cunning” and a “master manipulator,” while urging anyone who may be helping her to stop.
“Every lead is pursued. Every tip is investigated. Every day brings us one step closer,” the agency wrote. “Someone knows where she is.”
Coulthart was reported missing May 24 after he was last seen leaving the College Condominiums on East College Boulevard in Niceville.
During the missing-person investigation, detectives developed information that led authorities to a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport. Investigators obtained a search warrant and found Coulthart’s body buried in a shallow grave that evening, according to the sheriff’s office.
Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, wanted for murder has reportedly been using different disguises to avoid capture by law enforcement. Authorities shared different snapshots of her to ask for the public’s help in tracking her down. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
The District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the remains through DNA testing.
Five people have since been arrested in connection with the case. Michael Ray White, Kathleen Morris, Bobbi Wagstaff, Martin Leaverton and Sandra Leaverton have been charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact.
Five people have been arrested in connection to the murder of Jason Coulthart. Isabelle Johnson, 38, is still wanted. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities previously alleged that White knowingly helped Johnson evade law enforcement, while Morris admitted providing Johnson with transportation and supplies and misleading investigators about whether she had been at her home, according to local reporting.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson has warned that anyone still helping Johnson hide could also face charges.
“If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will face consequences,” Adkinson said previously. “This is a homicide case. We will not allow anyone to get in the way of this investigation.”
A combined reward of up to $16,000 remains available for information leading to Johnson’s arrest.
INC News reached out to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office seeking any additional updates on the investigation.
The sheriff’s office ended its latest appeal with a warning aimed at Johnson.
“She can keep running. We won’t stop looking,” the agency wrote. “We know who will get tired first.”




