Newly launched arrest studies element how a community of suspected accomplices allegedly helped a needed fugitive conceal a physique and conceal from regulation enforcement.
These alleged accomplices are accused of serving to deputy-dubbed “grasp manipulator” Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, avoid police; she’s been on the run for a number of weeks.
Johnson, of Florida, is accused of killing Jason Coulthart, 43, whose physique was discovered buried in a shallow grave on a Florida property on June 25. He was final seen alive on Could 24.
Johnson has been utilizing varied disguises to evade regulation enforcement, deputies say.
Authorities launched new pictures of Johnson’s “distinctive tattoos” so folks can presumably establish her as she makes an attempt to disguise herself.
Alleged confederate No. 1: In one of many arrest studies from the Walton County Sheriff’s Workplace, a witness detailed to investigators how Johnson allegedly murdered Coulthart and disposed of his physique.
The report alleges Johnson’s reported roommate, Bobbie Gean Wagstaff, 31, helped her dig a gap to bury Coulthart’s physique.
A witness in the identical report mentioned, “She killed the sufferer by putting a zipper tie round his neck.” The identical witness went on to say, “She coated the physique with cement in order that the canine wouldn’t dig it up once more.”
Johnson’s potential motive for the alleged homicide? The report says the witness instructed investigators “he was conscious of her ‘getting rid’ of a boy as a result of he was ‘aggravating and worsening her.’”
This witness additionally mentioned that “the ‘boy’ was additionally threatening to intrude with Isabelle’s custody of her kids.”
Wagstaff is charged with accent after the actual fact to first-degree homicide and possession of methamphetamine.
Alleged accomplices 2 & 3: In one other report, husband and spouse Martin and Sandra Leaverton, of Fort Walton Seashore, allegedly admitted driving Johnson a number of occasions after Coulthart’s physique was found and serving to transfer her between houses whereas she was needed by authorities.
Investigators say the couple tried to assist Johnson depart the state and retrieved her backpacks after she fled from deputies, giving her rides to areas the place she might keep away from seize.
“Martin Leaverton agreed to name associates and try to rearrange secure passage and a spot to remain for Johnson outdoors of Florida,” the report mentioned.
Deputies say the Leavertons offered “rides, provides, and false data to regulation enforcement about her location.”
Authorities charged the Leavertons with accent after the actual fact to first-degree homicide.
Alleged accomplices 4 & 5: In one other report, extra alleged helpers had been arrested for helping Johnson.
Michael White and Kathleen Morris of Santa Rosa, Florida allegedly helped Johnson evade regulation enforcement after the homicide by giving her a spot to remain.
After initially denying Johnson had ever been at their dwelling, investigators say the pair later admitted they sheltered her at two properties and offered provides whereas she was on the run.
The report additionally features a string of textual content messages between Morris, White and one other suspect, aforementioned Leaverton, that investigators say present them coordinating Johnson’s whereabouts, discussing her backpacks and referencing efforts to assist her.
In a single alleged textual content change, Morris texted Leaverton, “Why is Harley on our sofa?” earlier than following up with, “Extra importantly, when are you coming to get her?”
“Harley” is without doubt one of the aliases that Johnson has been utilizing, based on the sheriff’s workplace, together with “Jessica Elaine Bowman” and “Denise.”
Morris later allegedly texted White, “WTF is happening Michael?! Why did Marty depart his younger feminine pal right here??? And when is he coming again to get her??????”
Prosecutors additionally level to messages they are saying present Morris providing help. After Leaverton replied, “I’m headed there now,” Morris allegedly responded, “We talked — something I can do to assist I’ll. Don’t neglect the backpacks please.”
The couple is charged with accent to a capital felony after the actual fact and obstruction.
The investigation is ongoing.
