Isabelle Johnson’s alleged fugitive network charged as suspected accomplices
Authorities launch manhunt for disguised murder suspect
Criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno analyzes the manhunt for a woman accused of killing a 43-year-old man in Florida. Rotunno details how the suspect allegedly used aliases, changed appearances, and manipulated accomplices to evade the Walton County Sheriff’s Department.
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Newly released arrest reports detail how a network of suspected accomplices allegedly helped a wanted fugitive hide a body and hide from law enforcement.
These alleged accomplices are accused of helping Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, who the deputy called a “master manipulator,” avoid cops; He’s been on the run for a few weeks.
Johnson, of Florida, is accused of murdering 43-year-old Jason Coulthart, whose body was found buried in a shallow grave on a Florida property on June 25. Coulthart was last seen alive on May 24.
Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, was found buried in a shallow grave on a property in Niceville, Florida. He leaves behind a son. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
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Isabelle Johnson, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Jason Coulthart, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
Accomplice No. 1: In one of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrest reports, a witness detailed to investigators how Johnson allegedly killed Coulthart and disposed of her body.
The report alleges that Johnson’s reported roommate, 31-year-old Bobbie Gean Wagstaff, helped Coulthart dig a hole to bury her body.
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Isabelle Johnson’s roommate, Bobbie Jean Wagstaff, is charged with first-degree murder and methamphetamine possession after investigators allege she helped cover up the killing of Jason Coulthart. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
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An eyewitness in the same report said, “He killed the victim by putting a zipper around his neck.” he said. The same witness continued: “He covered the body with cement to prevent the dog from digging again.”
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The possible motive for Johnson’s alleged murder? The witness told investigators that he was “aware he was ‘getting rid of’ a child because the child was ‘angry and irritating’ him,” the report states.
Isabelle Johnson, 38, was captured on security video days after the remains of Jason Christopher Coulthart, 43, were found last month. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
This witness also said that “the ‘boy’ also threatened to interfere with Isabelle having custody of their child.”
Wagstaff is subsequently charged with first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine.
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Alleged accomplices 2 and 3: Another report alleges that husband and wife Martin and Sandra Leaverton of Fort Walton Beach admitted to giving Johnson rides multiple times after Coulthart’s body was discovered and helping move him between homes while he was sought by authorities.
Martin Leaverton is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder after investigators allege he knowingly helped murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson evade capture. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators said the couple tried to help Johnson leave the state, and after he ran from deputies, they took his backpacks and took him to places where he could avoid capture.
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Sandra Leaverton was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder after investigators alleged she knowingly helped murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson evade capture. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
“Martin Leaverton agreed to call his associates and arrange safe passage and accommodation for Johnson outside of Florida,” the report said.
Deputies say the Leavertons provided “law enforcement with tools, supplies and false information about his location.”
Authorities charged the Leavertons with accessory to first-degree murder.
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Alleged accomplices 4 and 5: In another report, more alleged aides were arrested for helping Johnson.
Michael White and Kathleen Morris of Santa Rosa, Florida, allegedly helped Johnson evade law enforcement after the murder by giving him a place to stay.
Michael White was charged with first-degree murder and accessory after the fact to nonviolent obstruction after investigators allege he knowingly hid murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson, provided her with supplies and lied to law enforcement about her whereabouts. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
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Kathleen Morris was charged with first-degree murder and accessory after the fact to nonviolent obstruction after investigators alleged she knowingly hid murder suspect Isabelle Rose Johnson, provided her with supplies and lied to law enforcement about her whereabouts. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
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Investigators, who initially denied having Johnson at their home, said the pair later admitted harboring him at two properties and providing him with supplies while he was on the run.
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(Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida) (Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida)
The report also includes a series of text messages between Morris, White, and the aforementioned Leaverton; Investigators say these show they coordinated Johnson’s whereabouts, discussed backpacks and referenced efforts to help him.
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In one alleged text exchange, Morris asked Leaverton, “Why is Harley on our couch?” he messaged. “More importantly, when will you come to pick him up?”
“Harley” is one of Johnson’s nicknames, along with “Jessica Elaine Bowman” and “Denise,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Isabelle Johnson is wanted for murder, and investigators say she has been on the run for weeks, relying on the help of her alleged accomplices to hide from cops. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)
Morris then allegedly texted White: “WTF is he going to Michael?! Why did Marty leave his young girlfriend here??? So when will he come back to get her??????”
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Prosecutors also point to messages that appear to show Morris offering help. After Leaverton replied, “I’m going there now,” Morris allegedly replied: “We talked; I’ll do anything I can to help. Please don’t forget the backpacks.”
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The couple is charged with accessory to a major crime after the incident and obstruction.
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The investigation continues.
