Skip to main content

Woman accused of killing man found in shallow grave still on the run

In this image released by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Isabelle Johnson, who has been charged with killing 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart, is shown. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida)

(NEW YORK) — A Florida woman is on the run as she faces a murder charge in the death of a man found in a shallow grave last month, according to police. 

Isabelle Johnson, 38, has been charged with killing 43-year-old Jason Christopher Coulthart, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. 

Coulthart was reported missing on May 24 after he was last seen leaving the College Condominiums complex in Florida, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Unidentified remains were found on a Freeport, Florida, property on June 25 after investigators were able to identify where Coulthart’s body had been buried, according to the sheriff’s office.

On July 9, the sheriff’s office and the Niceville Police Department received DNA confirmation identifying the remains as Coulthart, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Investigators have been searching for Johnson, who is wanted on an open count of murder and is believed to be “actively evading law enforcement,” according to the sheriff’s office. 

The sheriff’s office released a last known video of Johnson obtained from a business in Destin days after Coulthart’s remains were found.

Five others have been charged and arrested in connection with the murder, including two people who allegedly helped Johnson evade law enforcement after the alleged murder, the sheriff’s office said. 

“Anyone found to have helped or is still assisting Isabelle Johnson avoid arrest will be charged accordingly,” Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a statement Saturday.

“If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will face consequences. This is a homicide case. We will not allow anyone to get in the way of this investigation,” he said.

Johnson is described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. 

Johnson may be using multiple identities and is known to use several aliases, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Dowdy and others, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office said Johnson is considered dangerous and instructed the public not to approach her if she is spotted. 

Anyone with information on Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 892‑8111. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850‑863‑TIPS (8477). A cash reward may be available for information leading to her location and arrest. 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Tropical Storm Lala begins lashing Hawaii’s Big Island

▶ Watch Video: What to expect as Tropical Storm Lala nears Hawaii's Big Island Tropical Storm Lala is already whipping and soaking Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday as the storm makes its approach. The storm is expected to strengthen and bring extremely heavy rain, flooding, and life-threatening surf and rip currents to the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, forecasters say. The National Hurricane Center has issued a rare hurricane warning for the Big Island.The core of Lala will pass the Big Island on Saturday, then reach south of the smaller islands on Sunday, the NHC said Saturday, though it warned the storm may have some "erratic" movements. Lala is expected to weaken as it interacts with the Big Island. Damaging, tropical-force winds were spreading across the Big Island and parts of Maui on Saturday, especially across higher terrain. The wind is also expected to hit portions of the smaller islands. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Friday that Hawaii will see "an incredible amount of water," warning residents and visitors to prepare for heavy flooding and the possibility of major power outages. Mudslides are also a major concern, and large, dangerous surf also brings the potential for coastal flooding and significant beach erosion. A resident looks at a young green sea turtle as ocean waters started to raise due to the approach of Tropical Storm Lala at Reed's Bay in Hilo, Hawaii on August 14, 2026. Jill K. Briggs /AFP via Getty Images
Read Next Story