DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (TCN) — A 38-year-old woman initially charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a missing man found buried in a shallow grave has had her charges amended.
In May, 43-year-old Jason Coulthart was reported missing. His body was found the following month in a shallow grave; sheriffs had learned of the location of the remains after allegedly receiving a tip from an inmate at the Okaloosa County Jail on June 25. When a search warrant was executed at the property indicated by the inmate, Coulthart’s body was found under a concrete slab with a car parked over it.
He reportedly had a zip-tie around his neck. A witness alleged to police that Isabelle Johnson had killed Coulthart because he was aggravating her and irritating her. Court TV reports Coulthart’s legs had allegedly been cut into pieces.
Johnson was arrested on Aug. 13 after 45 days on the run, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, Johnson allegedly used multiple aliases and identities. Court TV reports that when she was found, she was allegedly living under the name “Andy” and had told people she had fled an abusive relationship.
According to records reviewed by Court TV, Johnson was initially charged with first-degree murder in connection with Coulthart’s death. On Sept. 3, prosecutors officially charged her with second-degree murder, abuse of a dead human body, and tampering with evidence, per WJHG. She pleaded not guilty.
According to Court TV, Johnson is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 19. WHJG reports that according to the sheriff’s office, the investigation is active and if new evidence comes to light, charges could change.
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