The Walton County Sheriff's Office has announced a $16,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Isabelle Johnson, 38, who is wanted on an open count of murder in connection with the death of Jason Coulthart. One month after Coulthart's remains were found buried on a Freeport property, investigators released new identifying details Friday in hopes of locating Johnson, who they believe has altered her appearance by cutting and dyeing her hair to avoid capture. The sheriff's office stated that Johnson is believed to have a rose or floral tattoo on her left hand extending from below her thumb toward her index finger, a tattoo on her right ankle, and a large scorpion tattoo stretching from her left buttock down her left thigh.
Coulthart, 43, was reported missing on May 24. His remains were discovered June 25 in a shallow grave on a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport after information developed during a Niceville Police Department missing persons investigation. Authorities later confirmed the remains belonged to Coulthart through DNA testing.
The homicide investigation has already resulted in five arrests of individuals accused of helping Johnson evade law enforcement. Bobbi Wagstaff, 31, Martin Leaverton, 63, Sandra Leaverton, 63, Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, have been charged with providing Johnson with shelter, transportation, supplies, cell phones or other assistance after Coulthart's death.
Investigators say Johnson is known to use multiple aliases, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, Jessica Elaine Thrash, Jessica Dowdy, and possibly Denise. According to the sheriff's office, she often gains assistance by telling people she is fleeing domestic violence or facing other personal hardships. The Walton County Sheriff's Office emphasized that every lead is pursued, every tip is investigated, and that someone knows where she is.
The reward consists of $11,000 from Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Florida Sheriffs Association Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program, with an additional $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals Task Force under separate reward guidelines. Anyone with information about Johnson's whereabouts is asked to contact the Walton County Sheriff's Office at 850-892-8111. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 850-863-TIPS (8477), online through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.