Jennifer Gledhill, a Utah mother, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges related to the disappearance and presumed death of her husband, Matthew Johnson, a Utah National Guardsman. The charges include first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, drug possession with intent to distribute, abuse of a human body, and witness tampering.
Gledhill entered her plea during a court appearance on February 6th in Salt Lake County. She appeared in shackles, wearing a navy jumpsuit. The hearing saw her waive her right to a preliminary hearing. Johnson's body remains missing despite extensive searches.
Court documents indicate Gledhill allegedly planned the events surrounding Johnson's disappearance, ensuring her children were with her parents around the time of the alleged murder in September 2024. Gledhill's parents, Thomas and Rosalie Gledhill, are also facing obstruction of justice charges.
Johnson was reported missing by Gledhill on September 28th, 2024, several days after the National Guard initiated a wellness check due to his unexplained absence from work. Gledhill reportedly told authorities Johnson had informed her he would be away for a week and requested no contact. However, her demeanor during the report raised suspicions.
A key development in the case came from an informant who claimed to have had an affair with Gledhill. The informant alleges Gledhill confessed to shooting Johnson in the head while he slept on September 21st, 2024, following an argument about her infidelity. The informant further claims Gledhill detailed how she disposed of the body, placing it in a rooftop storage container, moving it into her minivan, and burying it in a shallow grave in an undisclosed northern location.
While Johnson's body remains unrecovered, investigators found his truck near his residence with his cellphone inside. Text messages between Gledhill and the informant suggest she advised him to keep their alleged conversation secret. Investigators also discovered a new mattress in the master bedroom of Gledhill's home, along with signs of cleaning and bleach stains, potentially indicating an attempt to conceal evidence. A search of Gledhill's parents’ home revealed a gun box matching the description of Johnson’s firearm.
Further investigation revealed potential drug paraphernalia and cash in Gledhill's vehicle. Cellphone records indicate no contact between Gledhill and Johnson after the date of the alleged murder. Gledhill's mother reportedly confirmed purchasing a new mattress for her daughter. Gledhill's father reportedly stated he did not enter the master bedroom during a visit to his daughter's home. Court records also reveal Gledhill's past attempts to obtain protective orders against Johnson, with claims that she provoked him into reactions.
Gledhill's attorney has not yet provided a public comment on the case.
