Authorities are seeking Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, who is wanted for the murder of Jason Coulthart, a 43-year-old father whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave on the Florida Panhandle. Johnson, who allegedly uses multiple aliases, is considered dangerous and is actively evading law enforcement, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Coulthart was reported missing on May 24. His body was found on June 25 on a property in Freeport. According to an arrest report, he was discovered with a zip tie around his neck, buried in a shallow grave that had been covered with concrete and a black Cadillac parked on top.
Johnson is wanted on an open count of murder. Police have identified several aliases she may be using, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Elaine Thrash, Jessica Dowdy, and possibly Denise. The sheriff's office has increased a reward for information leading to her capture to $11,000, from an initial $6,000.
“Isabelle. Harley. Jessica. Whatever you’re calling yourself now. Turn yourself in. Enough is enough,” the sheriff’s office stated in a Facebook post.
Johnson is known to be a “swindler” and has ties to Okaloosa and Walton counties in Florida, as well as areas in Georgia and southern Alabama. The sheriff’s office noted that Johnson often manipulates people into helping her by fabricating stories about personal hardships, such as domestic violence, to gain sympathy and solicit rides or money.
The connection between Coulthart and Johnson, as well as the motive for the killing, remains unclear. Coulthart, who had a 20-year-old son, grew up in New Jersey. Investigators believe Johnson may have altered her appearance, possibly cutting her hair short and changing its color, to evade detection. She is described as being 5-foot-3 tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She is believed to have a floral tattoo on her left hand and a tattoo on her right ankle.
Five other individuals have been arrested on accessory charges related to the killing, though their specific connections have not been detailed by authorities.