Aggravated Murder Charge Filed for Death of Woman Found in Box

Today, the Salt Lake County District Attorney announced four felony charges filed against Jacob Holt Johnson, including aggravated murder, for his alleged role in the death of S.M., a woman he had an intimate relationship with for four years.

On December 31, 2024, a Bluffdale police officer found the defendant unconscious in a white jeep at a gas station parked across multiple stalls. An assisting officer noticed a female, S.M., in a cardboard box in the trunk of the defendant's vehicle. When officers opened the trunk, they saw that there was an extension cord around S.M.'s neck, she was unresponsive and cold to the touch, with multiple bruises and lacerations to her head, arms, and legs. As police investigated, they discovered a hammer with blood on it in the defendant's vehicle, a hatchet, a knife, a gas can, and a bottle of bleach. Detectives determined the crime had happened in Herriman. They executed a search warrant on the defendant's home where they found blood throughout the house and apparent signs that someone had attempted to cleanup a crime scene. They also found a bat on the kitchen floor with smudge marks that made it appear as if it had recently been washed.

Multiple acquaintances of S.M. told police that she had previously told them about verbal and physical abuse by the defendant.

The defendant is charged with one count of first-degree felony aggravated murder, one count of second-degree felony obstruction of justice,  one count of third-degree felony possession of a dangerous weapon by a restriction person, and one count of third-degree felony desecration of a human body.

"Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the victim in this alleged murder. 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," said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. "All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."