Authorities in Walton County have intensified the search for Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, who is accused of the murder of Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, whose body was found buried in a shallow grave in Freeport, Florida, as reported by Telemundo 51.
The search has now exceeded a month in duration and has extended to Alabama and Georgia.
Authorities have released new physical details -including descriptions of tattoos- and are offering $16,000 for information leading to the arrest of the fugitive.
A suspect with multiple identities
The Walton County Sheriff's Office describes Johnson as a "master of manipulation," who "disguises very well" and operates under at least six aliases.
These aliases are "Harley," "Jessica Elaine Bowman," "Jessica Elaine Thrush," "Jessica Elaine Thrash," "Jessica Dowdy," and possibly "Denise."
In social media, the agency addressed the fugitive directly: “Justice will come. Isabelle. Harley. Jessica. Whatever name you are using now. Surrender. It’s enough.”
Authorities warn that Johnson may claim to be a victim of domestic violence or other difficulties in obtaining transportation, money, or shelter. According to CBS News, on one occasion, he persuaded an employee at a tattoo shop to request a ride-sharing service for him to escape when the police were approaching.
New physical features to identify her
Johnson is approximately 1.60 meters tall and weighs around 54 kilograms, with brown hair that investigators believe may have been cut and dyed.
Among the newly revealed details are four tattoos:
-a flower in the left hand that extends from beneath the thumb to the index finger
-a tattoo on the right ankle.
-a large scorpion from the left buttock to the left thigh.
-and a large bird on the back.
The last known video of Johnson was captured by security cameras at a business in Destin, days after the body was found.
“It’s possible that he may have changed appearance since this video was recorded,” the sheriff’s office warned, “but it certainly gives you a good idea of how his voice might sound.”
The crime and the victim
Coulthart was reported missing on May 24, last seen leaving the College Condominiums in Niceville.
His body was recovered on June 25 in a property in Freeport, buried under fresh concrete.
According to the affidavits, he was murdered with a strap placed around his neck.
Originally from New Jersey, he leaves behind a 20-year-old son, his parents, and his younger brother, Timothy.
His cousin Roxanne Wolf described him to CBS News as "a giver" who "would give the shirt off his back for anyone who needed it."
Five arrested for concealment
Five people have been arrested for allegedly assisting Johnson in evading justice.
Bobbi Wagstaff, 31, and the married couple Martin and Sandra Leaverton, both 63, from Fort Walton Beach, were arrested in early July.
Shortly thereafter, 74-year-old Michael Ray White and 59-year-old Kathleen Morris from Santa Rosa Beach faced similar charges.
White helped Johnson evade law enforcement between June 25 and June 30, while Morris admitted to providing him with transportation and supplies and lying to the agents about his whereabouts.
The sheriff Michael Adkinson was emphatic: “If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will have to face the consequences. We will not allow anyone to interfere with this investigation.”
Anyone with information can call (850) 892-8111 or contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously at (850) 863-TIPS.
The $16,000 reward is funded by Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and the United States Marshals Service.
Filed under: