Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Summer Tatiana Roney, 30, was identified by family members as the woman found dead in Bluffdale.
- Her ex-boyfriend, Jacob Holt Johnson, 40, was arrested for investigation of murder.
- Family described Roney as a vibrant, kind and loving soul.
BLUFFDALE — The woman allegedly killed by an ex-boyfriend and found in his car was identified by her family members Wednesday as Summer Tatiana Roney, 30.
On Tuesday, police discovered the woman's body in the backseat of a car at a gas station in Bluffdale. The vehicle's driver, Jacob Holt Johnson, 40, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder.
According to Roney's sister, Michelle Tischner, Johnson was Roney's estranged boyfriend. Tischner said she last saw Roney on Christmas Day.
According to Tischner, Roney missed her 2 p.m. work shift on Monday afternoon. Hours later, at 12:10 a.m. on Tuesday, police discovered Roney's body in the backseat of Johnson's car at a 7-Eleven gas station at 15871 S. Redwood Road in Bluffdale, during a DUI investigation.
According to arresting documents, "the victim had significant injuries and trauma consistent with a homicide."
Johnson was taken to the Saratoga Springs Police Department and, during an interview, officers say he told them he was in a "previous argument with the victim, stating that it was over with their relationship."
"When asked by officers if the victim had any injuries, Johnson stated physical trauma but did not elaborate any further. When asked how the victim got into the vehicle, Johnson said he put her into the vehicle," the arresting documents say.
On Wednesday, Roney's family released this statement:
"The family of Summer Tatiana Roney is 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. This senseless act has left an unfillable void in our hearts. We ask for privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and remember the incredible person Summer was."
According to Tischner, Roney met Johnson four years ago. Tischner described Roney as a vulnerable adult and said Johnson was manipulative and abusive.
Court filings showed Johnson has a criminal rap sheet that includes a history of domestic violence.
Family members also said Roney was not living with Johnson. They suspect Johnson took her to his home because she didn't have a driver's license and Roney was likely trying to end the relationship.
Domestic violence resources
Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: Utah's confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
- Utah's statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
