Jason Christopher Coulthart, a 43-year-old man from Florida's Panhandle, has been found dead and buried in a shallow grave nearly six weeks after he was reported missing, authorities announced Thursday.
Background
Coulthart was last seen on May 24 when he left the College Condominiums on East College Boulevard in Niceville. His disappearance prompted an investigation by the Walton County Sheriff's Office, which "developed information" indicating Coulthart's body had been buried on a rural property off Sunset Lane in Freeport. Authorities recovered the body on June 25 and positively identified the remains as belonging to Coulthart four days later.
The Investigation
Detectives identified Isabelle Johnson, 38, as the primary suspect in Coulthart's death. After recovering the victim's remains, investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Johnson with murder. She is believed to be "actively evading law enforcement" and allegedly using multiple aliases including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Dowdy and other fictitious identities.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office released surveillance video showing Johnson at a business in Destin days after Coulthart's remains were discovered. Authorities have not disclosed the relationship between Johnson and Coulthart or a potential motive for the killing. The victim's cause of death has also been withheld pending further investigation.
Five individuals have been arrested for allegedly assisting Johnson's flight from law enforcement. Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, both of Santa Rosa Beach, were taken into custody on charges of accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction. Investigators allege White lied to deputies about not knowing Johnson when he actually helped her evade capture and allowed her to stay at his residence. Morris allegedly provided Johnson with supplies and transportation.
Martin Leaverton and Sandra Leaverton face accessory charges for retrieving Johnson's belongings and furnishing her with a cell phone, according to the sheriff's office. The investigation remains active, and authorities warn that additional arrests are possible.
Key Takeaways
- Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, was reported missing May 24 from Niceville; his body was recovered June 25 in Freeport
- Isabelle Johnson, 38, has been charged with murder and is using multiple aliases to evade capture
- Five people have been arrested for allegedly helping Johnson avoid law enforcement
- Sheriff's office released surveillance footage of Johnson at a Destin business after the body discovery
What's Next
Walton County investigators continue searching for Johnson, who is considered dangerous. The sheriff's office has urged anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact them directly or submit tips anonymously through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers. Further charges against additional suspects remain possible as the investigation progresses.
"Anyone found to have helped or is still assisting Isabelle Johnson avoid arrest will be charged accordingly," said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson in a statement. "If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will face consequences."