Additional information emerged regarding the brutal slaying of an Utah woman discovered in the back of her ex-boyfriend’s vehicle.
In a previous report by CrimeOnline, it was mentioned that authorities discovered the body of Summer Tatiana Roney, who was 30 years old, in the rear of Jacob Holt Johnson’s car at a convenience store in Bluffdale.
As per Fox 13 Now, during the early hours of December 31, police observed an SUV parked in a diagonal manner across numerous parking spots. Upon approaching the vehicle, they found Johnson unconscious in the driver’s seat.
Through the back window, an officer spotted a female in a cardboard box.
According to KSL, the charges indicate that officers decided to open the trunk to check on the woman’s well-being and sadly discovered her with an extension cord around her neck. Additionally, she had various injuries like bruises and cuts on her head, arms, and legs. The woman was unresponsive and cold to the touch.
Inside Johnson’s SUV, law enforcement discovered several hatchets, an 8-inch fixed-blade knife, a steel hammer, a gas can, and bleach.
Authorities said the 40-year-old suspect had transported Roney’s body from his home in Herriman to the 7-11 convenience store.
At Johnson’s house, detectives found further incriminating evidence. According to Fox 13 Now, blood was discovered in multiple rooms throughout the home. An empty bleach bottle, two trash bags, and a bat, all stained with blood, were also found.
KSL reported that blood smudges were located on the kitchen floor, appearing to indicate something had been dragged from the entrance to the basement toward the garage door. Blood traces were found in various areas on the stairwell, including the wall, baseboards, and stair posts.
The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office noted that Roney suffered “extreme” trauma, with the likely cause of death being blunt force trauma.
Witnesses indicated that Roney and Johnson had a disturbing relationship. One witness reported to police that Roney and Johnson had an “on-and-off” relationship over the past four years and described Johnson as a “hothead.”
Another individual stated that Roney had informed him that Johnson was “verbally abusive.” One of Roney’s friends said Johnson had “recently put her in a chokehold, nearly killing her,” and that she “frequently spoke about the abuse she endured from Johnson, including physical fights and emotional distress.”
Johnson is being held without bail on charges of first-degree felony aggravated murder, one count of second-degree felony obstruction of justice, one count of third-degree felony desecration of a human body, and one count of third-degree felony possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the victim in this alleged murder,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.
“If you are experiencing domestic violence or are aware of someone who may be experiencing it, please report it so it can be investigated. If it is not reported, it cannot be investigated, and if it is not investigated, it cannot be prosecuted. Early intervention can help prevent an escalation of violence.”
[Feature Photo via Walker Sanderson Funeral Home & Crematory]
