Utah Woman Found Dead in Backseat of Ex-Boyfriend’s Car During DUI Stop

A Utah woman was found dead in her estranged boyfriend’s car when police stopped him this week while investigating a potential DUI.

Police found the body of 30-year-old Summer Tatiana Roney in the back of convicted felon Jacob Holt Johnson’s car at a convenience store in Bluffdale, KUTV reported.

Cops said the 40-year-old suspect had transported Roney’s body from his home in Herriman to the 7-11.

Bluffdale Police made the traffic stop after Saratoga Springs police contacted Herriman Police about their DUI investigation.

Johnson was previously arrested for a DUI in 2022, and court documents from that arrest say he has convictions for aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful acquisition of a credit card, felony theft, and burglary.

Johnson was arrested for the homicide investigation. Her family released a statement on Wednesday saying they were “heartbroken.”

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 is.

Roney’s sister, Michelle Tischner, told KSL that she last saw her on Christmas Day and that she missed her work shift on Monday afternoon.

Police found the body shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning. Arresting documents say Roney “had significant injuries and trauma consistent with a homicide.”

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[Featured image: Summer Roney/family handout]