A Florida woman accused of murder remains at large after investigators say they found a man’s body buried on private property in the Panhandle — and authorities warn she is using multiple aliases while evading capture. Police have charged 38-year-old Isabelle Johnson in the death of 43-year-old Jason Coulthart, and several people have been arrested for allegedly helping her hide.
Coulthart was reported missing after he was last seen leaving the College Condominiums on East College Boulevard in Niceville on May 24. Walton County deputies say information led them to a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport, where human remains were recovered on June 25 and later confirmed to be Coulthart’s.
The sheriff’s office has not released a cause of death, nor has it detailed any connection between the victim and the accused. Local police expressed condolences to the family and pledged to continue the investigation alongside county partners.
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After the remains were located, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Johnson, who they say is “actively evading law enforcement.” Surveillance video released by deputies shows a person believed to be Johnson at a Destin business days after the body was recovered.
- Victim: Jason Coulthart, 43
- Last seen: May 24, College Condominiums, Niceville
- Remains recovered: June 25, property off Sunset Lane, Freeport
- Suspect: Isabelle Johnson, 38 — charged with murder and wanted on an active warrant
- Known aliases: Harley; Jessica Elaine Bowman; Jessica Elaine Thrush; Jessica Dowdy; others
- People arrested: five alleged accomplices detained in relation to assisting Johnson
Authorities say five people have been arrested on allegations they helped Johnson avoid arrest. Among them are Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, who face charges of accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction. Deputies allege White lied about knowing Johnson and allowed her to stay at his residence, while Morris is accused of supplying Johnson and providing transportation. Two others, Martin and Sandra Leaverton, are accused of retrieving the suspect’s belongings and furnishing her with a cellphone.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson warned that anyone who shelters, aids or lies for Johnson will face prosecution, stressing that the department will not tolerate interference in a homicide probe.
For public safety, investigators describe Johnson as dangerous and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at 850-892-8111 or to Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
What this means now: the case remains active and criminal charges are pending for both the accused and those alleged to have assisted her. Detectives are continuing forensic work and follow-up interviews; the lack of a released cause of death means key investigative steps — including toxicology and forensic analysis — may still be underway, and any new leads could quickly change the legal picture.
