SALT LAKE CITY – Jennifer Gledhill, accused of murdering her husband, Utah National Guardsman Matthew Johnson, appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing on March 14, where a judge set her trial date for December.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Dec. 8, with proceedings expected to last through Dec. 15, 2025. The trial comes more than a year after Gledhill’s initial arrest in October 2024.
Bail Denied as Search for Victim’s Body Continues
On Feb. 28, Gledhill’s attorney, Jeremy Deus, petitioned for her release on bail, emphasizing that Johnson’s body and the suspected murder weapon remain missing despite extensive searches by law enforcement and military personnel.
Prosecutor Emily Paulos argued against Gledhill’s release, stating that Johnson’s family is still hoping to recover his remains.
“They just want to bring Matthew home,” Paulos said, adding that authorities fear Gledhill may hinder the investigation if granted bail. The judge ultimately denied her request.
Ahead of the December trial, two additional pre-trial hearings are scheduled for Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.
Investigation Unfolds After Guardsman’s Disappearance
The case initially drew attention when Johnson was reported missing in September 2024. Members of the Army Reserve and National Guard launched efforts to locate him, fearing he might be considered AWOL.
Cottonwood Heights police intensified the search the day after Gledhill’s arrest, focusing on the wetlands around Farmington Bay, where investigators believe Johnson’s body may be hidden. Authorities described the effort as searching for “a needle in a haystack.”
Police later discovered bloodstained carpet, pillows, and a mattress—items that had reportedly been removed from the couple’s home.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to investigators, Johnson was last seen alive on Sept. 20, 2024. Witnesses reported hearing an argument between him and Gledhill that night. Authorities believe he was shot while sleeping in the early hours of Sept. 21.
Days later, a man who was allegedly having an affair with Gledhill told police that she had confessed to killing her husband. He claimed she admitted to moving Johnson’s body in a storage container and transporting it north in her vehicle before burying it in a shallow grave.
Gledhill was taken into custody on Oct. 2, initially charged with murder and obstruction of justice. By Oct. 15, prosecutors had filed nine felony charges against her, including abuse or desecration of a body.
Her parents were also arrested later in October, accused of helping her clean up the crime scene. A court order has since prohibited Gledhill from contacting her children.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities remain focused on recovering Johnson’s remains. Sgt. Gary Young of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department emphasized the toll the case has taken on the victim’s loved ones.
“We want to find Matthew and bring closure to his family,” Young said. “Our thoughts are with his children and everyone impacted by this tragic situation.”
Gledhill maintains her innocence as she awaits trial.
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