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Body in Box: Utah Man Admits Murder
24 Oct
Summary
- Man pleads guilty to aggravated murder in girlfriend's 2024 slaying.
- Victim found in a box in the trunk with an extension cord.
- Evidence of crime scene cleanup found at suspect's home.
Jacob Holt Johnson pleaded guilty on Friday to aggravated murder in the 2024 slaying of Summer Roney. Her body was discovered in a cardboard box in the trunk of his car, with an extension cord around her neck and visible injuries. Johnson faces a life sentence without parole as part of his plea agreement.
Authorities found Johnson unconscious in his vehicle on December 31, 2024, at a 7-Eleven parking lot south of Salt Lake City. The victim was identified as Roney, with extensive bruising and lacerations. Investigators also found potential weapons and evidence of a cleaned crime scene at Johnson's Herriman home.
Friends and family reported that Roney had confided about verbal and physical abuse from Johnson. He admitted to placing her body in the car after an argument. Johnson is scheduled for formal sentencing on December 17.
