SALT LAKE CITY (TCN) — A 42-year-old man has pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in connection with the 2024 death of his ex-girlfriend.
KSL reports that on Dec. 30, 2024, Jacob Holt Johnson killed his ex-girlfriend, 30-year-old Summer Roney. She was found covered with bruises and with lacerations inside a box in the back of a Jeep with an extension cord around her neck. Johnson was reportedly unconscious in the passenger seat.
A hatchet, bloody hammer, knife, can of gas, and bottle of bleach were also found inside the car, KSTU reports. After obtaining a search warrant for Johnson’s home, investigators discovered a large quantity of blood and signs of an attempted cleanup.
Johnson was charged with aggravated murder, second-degree obstruction of justice, third-degree possession of a dangerous weapon as a restricted person, and third-degree abuse or desecration of a human body, per KSL.
Roney’s family told KSTU Roney and Johnson had been in an on-again, off-again relationship and alleged he was physically and verbally abusive toward her. According to the outlet, Roney allegedly told a friend Johnson almost killed her by putting her in a chokehold. The friend said Roney “frequently spoke about the abuse she endured from Johnson, including physical fights and emotional distress.”
KSL reports Johnson was scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 22 and 23 for a preliminary hearing but decided to enter a plea of guilty to aggravated murder. He agreed to be sentenced to life in prison without parole for the killing of Roney. Prosecutors consulted with Roney’s family and decided not to seek the death penalty.
All charges except aggravated murder were dismissed as part of Johnson’s plea agreement, per KSL. At his hearing on Oct. 22, Johnson admitted to killing his girlfriend, stating, “I caused the death of Summer.”
According to Roney’s obituary, “Summer’s favorite color was yellow, and she often reminded those around her of a shining sun — radiant, warm, and impossible to forget. Her light continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.”
A judge will decide Johnson’s final sentence on Dec. 17, per KSL.
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