Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 23

Florida Sheriff Reveals 3 Tattoos on Fugitive Murder Suspect as $16,000 Reward Stands

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 23

Florida Sheriff Reveals 3 Tattoos on Fugitive Murder Suspect as $16,000 Reward Stands

Q: How did a murder suspect convince five people to become felons by helping her hide from police?

Investigators say Isabelle Johnson appears to have persuaded people to help her by manipulating their sympathy and hiding her true situation. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has described her as a “cunning” suspect and a “master manipulator” who allegedly used multiple aliases, changed her appearance, and told stories about domestic violence or other personal hardship to get rides, money, shelter, and supplies. That, authorities suggest, is how five people ended up facing felony charges. Michael Ray White, Kathleen Morris, Bobbi Wagstaff, Martin Leaverton, and Sandra Leaverton were arrested after investigators alleged they helped Johnson evade capture by providing shelter, transportation, supplies, and in some cases misleading deputies about where she was. The broader picture is that Johnson’s alleged deception appears to have lowered people’s guard. By presenting herself as vulnerable or in danger, and by moving across communities where she had ties in Florida, Georgia, and lower Alabama, she was able to secure practical help while staying ahead of law enforcement for weeks. Sheriff Michael Adkinson has warned that whatever story Johnson tells, helping her can bring serious criminal consequences. Authorities are urging anyone who encounters her not to assist or approach her, but to call 911 or contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers. A combined reward of up to $16,000 remains available for information leading to her arrest.

Q: What was the relationship between a 'master manipulator' and her victim that ended in a shallow grave?

The relationship between Isabelle Johnson and Jason Coulthart has not been publicly established. Based on the reporting and the additional material, authorities have identified Johnson, 38, as the suspect in the killing of Coulthart, 43, but they have not disclosed how the two knew each other, whether they were romantically involved, friends, acquaintances, or connected in some other way. Investigators also have not publicly stated a motive. What is known is that Coulthart was reported missing on May 24 after last being seen in Niceville, Florida. His remains were found on June 25 on a property in Freeport, buried in a shallow grave, and DNA testing confirmed his identity. Additional reporting says the grave was covered with concrete and that a zip tie was found around his neck. Johnson remains the focus of a multi-state manhunt. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has described her as a “master manipulator” who has allegedly used multiple aliases and may have changed her appearance. Five people have been charged with accessory after the fact, accused of helping her avoid arrest. So, the key answer is that the exact relationship between Johnson and Coulthart remains unclear in the public record, even as investigators pursue Johnson on a murder charge tied to Coulthart’s death.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 23

Walton County investigators released three newly highlighted tattoos they say could identify 38-year-old murder suspect Isabelle Johnson, who remains at large a month after Jason Coulthart’s body was found in Freeport.
The sheriff’s office said Johnson may have cut and dyed her hair, uses aliases including Harley and Jessica, and manipulates people into giving her rides, money or shelter.
Coulthart, 43, was reported missing May 24, and his remains were discovered June 25 in a shallow grave on a Freeport property before being identified through DNA testing.
Five people have already been charged as accessories after the fact, and Sheriff Michael Adkinson has warned anyone still helping Johnson hide could face charges as well.
A reward of up to $16,000 remains available as authorities pursue leads across Walton and Okaloosa counties, parts of Georgia and lower Alabama.