CAUGHT: Isabelle Johnson Found in FL After 45-Day Murder Manhunt
Murder Suspect Caught After 45-Day Search Across Three States
What Happened?
Isabelle Johnson, 38, was arrested on Thursday after a massive 45-day manhunt that stretched across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Police say she is responsible for the murder of Jason Coulthart, whose body was found buried in a shallow grave in Florida on June 25.
Important Point: The arrest ended a weeks-long search involving local police, state troopers, and federal agents working together.
How Did Police Find Her?
The break in the case came from digital detective work. Here’s how it unfolded:
- Cyber Crimes Unit – The Walton County Sheriff’s Office used their specialized cyber team to track down clues about Johnson’s location.
- Tip Leads to Cottondale – That information pointed officers to a home on Peanut Road, just outside Cottondale, Florida (about an hour west of Tallahassee).
- Team Effort – Deputies from Jackson County and a U.S. Marshals task force surrounded the house and took Johnson into custody without any trouble.
- Booking & Next Steps – She was booked into the Jackson County Jail and will be sent (extradited) to Walton County to face charges. More charges may be added later.
Who Was the Victim?
- Name: Jason Coulthart
- Reported Missing: May 24 (last seen leaving College Condominiums in Niceville, FL)
- Body Found: June 25, buried in a shallow grave on a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport, FL
- Cause of Death: Not publicly released yet — investigation is still active.
Other People Arrested
So far, five other people have been charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact (meaning they allegedly helped after the crime):
| Name | Charge |
|---|---|
| Michael Ray White | Accessory to a capital felony after the fact |
| Kathleen Morris | Accessory to a capital felony after the fact |
| Bobbi Wagstaff | Accessory to a capital felony after the fact |
| Martin Leaverton | Accessory to a capital felony after the fact |
| Sandra Leaverton | Accessory to a capital felony after the fact |
Important Point: Authorities say more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
What Made This Manhunt So Intense?
- 45 days on the run
- Three states involved: Florida, Georgia, Alabama
- Over 40 subpoenas issued (court orders for evidence)
- More than 20 search warrants executed
- "Tons and tons of man hours" by investigators
- Johnson described by police as "cunning" and a "master manipulator"
What Officials Are Saying
"We got her. Isabelle Johnson is in custody."
— Walton County Sheriff’s Office"It’s absolutely a good day… She’s here, she’s in custody."
— Chief Deputy Dustin Cosson"We can’t express the amount of appreciation for the work that’s been done."
— Chief Deputy Dustin Cosson
Summary
- Isabelle Johnson, 38, arrested Thursday in Cottondale, FL after 45-day manhunt
- Wanted for murder of Jason Coulthart (body found buried June 25 in Freeport, FL)
- Arrest made by U.S. Marshals task force + local deputies — no incident
- Cyber Crimes Unit provided key location intel
- 5 others already charged as accessories; more arrests expected
- Investigation involved 40+ subpoenas, 20+ search warrants, multi-agency cooperation
- Case still active — more details to come
FAQ
Who is Isabelle Johnson?
She is a 38-year-old woman accused of murdering Jason Coulthart. Police say she went on the run for 45 days across three states before being caught.
How did police finally find her?
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit traced digital clues to a home near Cottondale, Florida. A U.S. Marshals task force and local deputies arrested her there.
What happened to Jason Coulthart?
He was reported missing on May 24. His body was found June 25 buried in a shallow grave on a property in Freeport, Florida.
Are there other suspects?
Yes. Five people have been charged with helping Johnson after the crime (accessory after the fact). Police say more arrests are likely.
What happens next?
Johnson is in the Jackson County Jail and will be extradited to Walton County to face murder charges. The investigation is still ongoing, so more details — and possibly more charges — may follow.
This article is based on reporting from Fox News Digital and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. All information reflects the latest public updates as of the arrest date.