Utah mom accused of killing National Guard husband enters plea as police search for body

In September 2024, a chilling case unfolded in Utah when Jennifer Gledhill, a mother and wife, was accused of murdering her husband, Matthew Johnson, a Utah National Guardsman. The case has drawn significant attention due to its shocking details and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to uncover the truth. On February 6, 2025, Gledhill appeared in court, pleading not guilty to nine charges, including first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, abuse of a human body, and tampering with a witness. The charges are linked to Johnson’s disappearance and presumed death, which occurred around September 20, 2024. Gledhill, dressed in a navy jumpsuit and shackles, waived her right to a preliminary hearing, a decision that has raised eyebrows among legal observers. As the investigation continues, officials are still searching for Johnson’s body, and the community remains gripped by the horrifying allegations.

The case took a dramatic turn when court documents revealed that Gledhill allegedly planned and executed the crime with calculated precision. According to these documents, she arranged for their children to stay with her parents on the evening of the alleged murder, ensuring they were not present when the crime occurred. This detailed planning has led investigators to describe her actions as “very calculating.” Johnson was last seen on September 20, 2024, and his disappearance was first reported by a member of the Utah National Guard on September 25, after he failed to show up for work—a deviation from his usual routine that raised concerns. Gledhill waited until September 28 to report her husband missing, claiming he had told her he would be gone for a week and instructed her not to contact him. However, during the call, she appeared “distracted and at times nervous,” a behavior that caught the attention of authorities.

The investigation gained momentum when an informant came forward, revealing a shocking extramarital affair with Gledhill. The informant told police that on September 22, Gledhill visited his home and indicated that she would “likely going away for a long time.” She allegedly confessed to him that she and Johnson had argued on September 20 after he discovered her infidelity. According to the informant, Gledhill admitted to shooting Johnson in the head with his 9 mm Glock while he slept in their shared bed. She further described how she loaded his body into a rooftop storage container, slid it down the stairs, and transported it in her minivan to a location where she buried him in a shallow grave. Despite these revelations, Johnson’s body has yet to be recovered, and detectives are still working to locate his remains. His truck was found 0.3 miles from their home, with his cellphone inside, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

As the police dug deeper, they uncovered evidence that suggested Gledhill had made efforts to cover her tracks.During a search of the couple’s home, detectives noticed a brand-new mattress in the master bedroom, with fresh wipe marks and bleach stains on the walls. The room also had a strong smell of chlorine, and bleach stains were found on several stairs. These findings, combined with the informant’s testimony, painted a disturbing picture of a crime meticulously planned and clumsily concealed. Furthermore, a neighbor reported seeing Gledhill’s parents cleaning the garage and moving items around on September 24, which raised suspicions about their potential involvement. Gledhill’s parents, Thomas and Rosalie Gledhill, now face obstruction of justice charges, adding another twist to the case.

The case has also revealed Gledhill’s alleged involvement in illegal activities beyond the murder. During a search of her vehicle, detectives found drugs packaged for distribution and $200 in cash, leading to charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Additionally, a search warrant at her parents’ home uncovered a Glock 19X gun box wrapped in a child’s onesie, further implicating her in the crime. Cellphone records show that Gledhill made no attempt to contact Johnson after September 21, the last day he communicated with friends and family. This lack of communication, along with the physical evidence, has bolstered the prosecution’s case against her.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Gledhill’s history has come under scrutiny. Court records indicate that she had previously attempted to secure protective orders against Johnson during their marriage, but courts found her to be the instigator of conflicts, often goading him to provoke a reaction. These dynamics have led investigators to speculate about the motives behind the murder, suggesting a history of turmoil in their relationship. While Gledhill has pleaded not guilty to all charges, the accumulation of evidence and testimonies continues to mount against her. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to grapple with the reality of such a heinous crime occurring in their midst. As the search for Johnson’s body continues, and the trial moves forward, the nation remains captivated by the disturbing details of this case, which highlights the darker side of human nature and the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and deception.