Alleged body cover-up, frantic texts to hide wanted Florida murder suspect exposed in escape plot: affidavits
Newly released arrest reports detail how a network of suspected accomplices allegedly helped a wanted fugitive hide a body and hide from law enforcement.
These alleged accomplices are accused of helping deputy-dubbed "master manipulator" Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, steer clear of cops; she's been on the run for several weeks.
Johnson, of Florida, is accused of killing Jason Coulthart, 43, whose body was found buried in a shallow grave on a Florida property on June 25. He was last seen alive on May 24.
Alleged accomplice No. 1: In one of the arrest reports from the Walton County Sheriff's Office, a witness detailed to investigators how Johnson allegedly murdered Coulthart and disposed of his body.
The report alleges Johnson's reported roommate, Bobbie Gean Wagstaff, 31, helped her dig a hole to bury Coulthart's body.
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A witness in the same report said, "She killed the victim by placing a zip tie around his neck." The same witness went on to say, "She covered the body with cement so that the dog would not dig it up again."
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Johnson's possible motive for the alleged murder? The report says the witness told investigators "he was aware of her 'getting rid' of a boy because he was 'aggravating and irritating her.'"
This witness also said that "the 'boy' was also threatening to interfere with Isabelle's custody of her children."
Wagstaff is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine.
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Alleged accomplices 2 & 3: In another report, husband and wife Martin and Sandra Leaverton, of Fort Walton Beach, allegedly admitted driving Johnson multiple times after Coulthart's body was discovered and helping move her between homes while she was wanted by authorities.
Investigators say the couple tried to help Johnson leave the state and retrieved her backpacks after she fled from deputies, giving her rides to locations where she could avoid capture.
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"Martin Leaverton agreed to call associates and attempt to arrange safe passage and a place to stay for Johnson outside of Florida," the report said.
Deputies say the Leavertons provided "rides, supplies, and false information to law enforcement about her location."
Authorities charged the Leavertons with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.
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Alleged accomplices 4 & 5: In another report, more alleged helpers were arrested for assisting Johnson.
Michael White and Kathleen Morris of Santa Rosa, Florida allegedly helped Johnson evade law enforcement after the murder by giving her a place to stay.
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After initially denying Johnson had ever been at their home, investigators say the pair later admitted they sheltered her at two properties and provided supplies while she was on the run.
The report also includes a string of text messages between Morris, White and another suspect, aforementioned Leaverton, that investigators say show them coordinating Johnson's whereabouts, discussing her backpacks and referencing efforts to help her.
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In one alleged text exchange, Morris texted Leaverton, "Why is Harley on our couch?" before following up with, "More importantly, when are you coming to get her?"
"Harley" is one of the aliases that Johnson has been using, according to the sheriff's office, along with "Jessica Elaine Bowman" and "Denise."
Morris later allegedly texted White, "WTF is going on Michael?! Why did Marty leave his young female friend here??? And when is he coming back to get her??????"
Prosecutors also point to messages they say show Morris offering assistance. After Leaverton replied, "I'm headed there now," Morris allegedly responded, "We talked — anything I can do to help I will. Don't forget the backpacks please."
The couple is charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction.
The investigation is ongoing.