Police Pull Over Driver in DUI Investigation, Find His Ex-Girlfriend's Dead Body in Backseat

01/03/2025 04:02 PM

Jacob Johnson, 40, is charged with murder in connection with the death of Summer Roney, 30

A Utah man who was pulled over for a traffic stop is now facing murder charges, after the body of his former girlfriend was found in the back seat of his car.

Police in Herriman — located about 30 miles outside Salt Lake City — confirmed to local outlets ABC4 and KSL-TV that Jacob Johnson, 40, was pulled over by the Saratoga Springs Police Department on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for a suspected DUI.

Johnson pulled into the parking lot of a gas station in Saratoga Springs and officers found the body of 30-year-old Summer Roney in the back seat, Sgt. Greg Shaver told the outlets. Court documents obtained by ABC4 and CBS affiliate KUTV state that Roney's body had "significant injuries and trauma that would be consistent with homicide."

During an interview with investigators, Johnson stated that he and Roney were previously in a relationship and that they had lived together in Herriman, court documents obtained by the outlet state, but that it was "over with their relationship."

Roney's family members also told KSL-TV that the former couple were not living together when her body was found.

Johnson also told police he had been arguing with Roney and that it had turned physical, but didn't give any more information, the documents state, per KUTV. Per ABC4, which cites court documents, Johnson told investigators that Roney had some physical trauma, but would still not elaborate when asked by investigators. He then allegedly admitted to putting her body in the back seat of his car.

Roney's sister, Michelle Tischner, told KSL-TV that she had last seen her sister on Christmas Day and that Roney had missed her Monday afternoon shift at work. Roney's body was discovered in Johnson's car about 10 hours after her shift was supposed to begin.

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Roney's family released a statement to the outlets through their attorney Christopher Ault on Wednesday Jan. 1. They called the 30-year-old "a vibrant, kind, and loving soul," and Ault added that her family was "heartbroken by her tragic and untimely loss."

"Summer was a vibrant, kind, and loving soul who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was deeply loved by her friends, family, and coworkers, who will always remember her infectious personality and the joy she brought into their lives," the statement reads.

"This senseless act has left an unfillable void in our hearts," it adds. "We ask for privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and remember the incredible person Summer is."

Inmate records show that Johnson is facing a first-degree felony murder charge. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and is being held without bail.

Herriman police are continuing to investigate the case, they told KUTV.

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