Two More Arrested in Coulthart Homicide Case as Search for Fugitive Continues
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two more individuals in connection with the murder of Jason Christopher Coulthart, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to five as the search for the primary suspect continues.
On July 10, 2026, Michael Ray White, 74, and Kathleen Morris, 59, both of Santa Rosa Beach, were arrested and charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction. The arrests mark the fourth and fifth individuals charged in connection with the ongoing homicide investigation that began when Coulthart’s remains were discovered buried in a shallow grave on a property off Sunset Lane in Freeport on June 25.
According to investigators, White knowingly provided assistance to fugitive Isabelle Johnson as she evaded law enforcement between June 25 and June 30. White initially denied knowing Johnson during interviews but later admitted she had been at his home on multiple occasions during that period. He also allowed Johnson and a second suspect, Martin Leaverton, to stay at the residence, provided supplies, and later coordinated moving Johnson to a second location. Morris, who resides at the same address, admitted to transporting Johnson, providing supplies, and misleading deputies about Johnson’s presence at the home. Text messages recovered from Morris’s phone corroborated her involvement.
The arrests of White and Morris follow the earlier arrest of Martin and Sandra Leaverton, both 63, of Fort Walton Beach, who were taken into custody on July 2 for their role in helping Johnson avoid capture. The Leavertons admitted to retrieving Johnson’s belongings, supplying her with a cell phone, and attempting to arrange out-of-state refuge for her. They remain held at the Walton County Jail.
Coulthart, 43, was reported missing to the Niceville Police Department on May 24 after he was last seen leaving the College Condominiums on East College Boulevard in Niceville. On June 25, Niceville detectives developed information identifying the location where his body had been buried on the Freeport property. DNA confirmation from the District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office verified the remains on July 9.
Johnson, 38, remains wanted on an open count of murder and is believed to be actively evading law enforcement. She is described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She may be using multiple identities and is known to use several aliases, including Harley, Jessica Elaine Bowman, Jessica Elaine Thrush, and Jessica Dowdy. Sheriff Michael Adkinson issued a direct warning to anyone considering helping Johnson: “If you give her a place to stay, help her hide, or lie for her, you will face consequences. This is a homicide case. We will not allow anyone to get in the way of this investigation.”
Anyone with information on Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 892-8111. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 863-TIPS (8477). A cash reward of up to $3,000 may be available for information leading to her location and arrest. If Johnson is spotted, do not approach her — call 911 immediately.
Originally reported by MyPanhandle (WMBB), WJHG Newschannel 7, and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
