Authorities launch manhunt for accused murder in disguise
Criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno analyzes the manhunt for a woman accused of murdering a 43-year-old man in Florida. Rotunno details how the suspect has allegedly used aliases, altered appearances and manipulation of accomplices to evade the Walton County Sheriff’s Department.
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A Florida sheriff’s office has revealed new identifying marks on a fugitive murder suspect accused in the death of a man found buried in a shallow grave, warning that she may have changed her hair and appearance as a monthlong manhunt continues.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, is wanted in connection with the murder of Jason Coulthart, 43, whose remains were discovered June 25 on a property in Freeport, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
“One month of searching for Isabelle Johnson, and our search has not slowed,” the agency wrote in a new appeal for tips.
Investigators now believe Johnson has several distinctive tattoos that could help members of the public recognize her despite any attempts to disguise herself.
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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.”
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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.
Fox News Digital 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.
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“She can keep running. We won’t stop looking,” the agency wrote. “We know who will get tired first.”
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
