Six Week Manhunt Ends With the Arrest of a Murder Suspect

A multistate manhunt ended Thursday with the arrest of a murder suspect who had been on the run for more than six weeks, according to authorities in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

U.S. Marshals captured Isabelle Rose Johnson, 38, at a home near Cottondale, Florida, concluding a search that began in late June after the body of Jason Coulthart, 43, was discovered buried in a shallow grave in Freeport, Florida. Johnson was wanted on a murder charge in Coulthart’s death and had eluded authorities while traveling across three states.

Investigators said Johnson fled immediately after Coulthart’s body was found on June 25. Over the following weeks, deputies and federal agents tracked her movements across Florida, Georgia and Alabama, issuing more than 40 subpoenas and executing over 20 search warrants as part of the investigation. Officials described Johnson as a “master manipulator” who used disguises and relied on associates to help her avoid capture.

Authorities said Johnson was taken into custody without incident after the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit developed new information about her location. Deputies and members of a U.S. Marshals task force responded to an address off Peanut Road, where Johnson was found and arrested. She was booked into the Jackson County Jail and is expected to be extradited to Walton County to face charges.

Five other individuals have been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to a capital felony for allegedly helping Johnson evade law enforcement during the 45‑day search. Officials praised the cooperation among federal, state and local agencies, calling the arrest a significant breakthrough in the case.

“This is absolutely a good day,” Walton County Chief Deputy Dustin Cosson said, noting the extensive hours investigators spent tracking Johnson. “We have her. The search is over.”