Authorities launch manhunt for accused murder in disguise
Renowned criminal defense lawyer Donna Rotunno provides her insights on the intense search for a woman charged with killing a 43-year-old man in Florida. Rotunno elaborates on how the suspect is rumored to have avoided capture by using multiple identities, altering her look, and manipulating others to assist her in dodging law enforcement from the Walton County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials from a Florida sheriff’s department have unveiled fresh identifying features of a murder suspect who remains at large, accused of killing a man whose body was discovered in a shallow grave. The suspect is believed to have possibly changed her hair and appearance as a relentless month-long pursuit continues.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is on the hunt for 38-year-old Isabelle Johnson, linked to the murder of Jason Coulthart, 43. Coulthart’s remains were unearthed on June 25 on a Freeport property, suggesting a horrifying tale of crime and mystery.
“We’ve been searching for Isabelle Johnson for a month, and our efforts are far from over,” the agency proclaimed in a renewed plea for information from the public.
Detectives now suspect that Johnson has several unique tattoos that could help the public recognize her, regardless of attempts she might make to change her appearance.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, is wanted for the slaying of 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
She is believed to have a rose or flower tattoo on her left hand, beginning below the thumb and extending toward the index finger, according to the sheriff’s office. She also appears to have an unidentified tattoo on her right ankle and a large scorpion tattoo extending from her left buttock down her left thigh.
Authorities believe Johnson may have dyed and cut her hair in an effort to alter her appearance.
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)
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.
News Media 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.”