Authorities say Isabelle Johnson is evading capture after Jason Coulthart’s remains were discovered on a property in Freeport.
FREEPORT, FL — Detectives are asking for the public’s help finding a 38-year-old woman wanted on a murder charge after the body of a missing Niceville man was found buried in a shallow grave in northwest Florida.
Isabelle Rose Johnson is wanted in connection with the death of 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart, authorities said. Coulthart disappeared May 24 after he was last seen leaving the College Condominiums on East College Boulevard in Niceville. Investigators have not released his cause or manner of death or disclosed a possible motive.
Niceville police detectives developed information during the missing-person investigation that led them to a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport, according to authorities. Because the property is in Walton County, Niceville police contacted the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on June 25. Deputies obtained a search warrant and found human remains buried on the property later that day.
The District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office used DNA testing to identify the remains as Coulthart. Authorities announced the identification July 10. A Walton County judge had issued an arrest warrant for Johnson on June 26, one day after the remains were recovered.
Investigators believe Johnson is actively avoiding law enforcement. She is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Authorities said she has connections to Freeport and Georgia and may be using several names, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Elaine Trash and Jessica Dowdy.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance footage that it said showed Johnson at a business in Destin after Coulthart’s remains were found. Authorities have not publicly said where she may have traveled after that recording or whether investigators believe she is still in Florida.
Five other people have been arrested on accusations that they helped Johnson or interfered with the investigation. Martin and Sandra Leaverton, both 63, and Bobbie Wagstaff, 31, face accessory allegations. Wagstaff also was charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Authorities later arrested Michael White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59. Investigators accused them of helping Johnson hide in Santa Rosa Beach until June 30. Both face allegations that include obstruction and being an accessory after the fact to a capital felony. The charges are allegations, and court records reviewed in published reports did not establish whether all five defendants had entered pleas or hired attorneys.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said investigators intend to hold accountable anyone who played a role in Coulthart’s death or helped Johnson avoid capture. Niceville Police Chief Mark Hayse said his department would continue working with the sheriff’s office and supporting Coulthart’s family as the investigation proceeds.
Johnson remained wanted as of Monday. Authorities said anyone who sees her should not approach her and should call 911. Information about her location may also be provided to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office or submitted anonymously through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
Author note: Last updated July 13, 2026.