Elderly Parents Accused of Helping Daughter Clean Up Bloody Murder Scene

When Jennifer Gledhill reported her husband, Matthew Johnson, missing on Sept. 28, 2024, she claimed ignorance about his whereabouts. But behind the facade of concern, authorities allege, lay a web of lies, betrayal, and murder. Now, as Gledhill faces charges of first-degree murder, her elderly parents, Thomas and Rosalie Gledhill, also find themselves accused of helping her cover up the gruesome crime.

An Affair, a Murder, and a Shallow Grave

The story begins with a confrontation. Prosecutors allege that Johnson, a member of the Utah National Guard, discovered Gledhill's extramarital affair and confronted her on Sept. 20, 2024. The next night, the situation took a sinister turn.

According to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, Gledhill allegedly told her lover that she had shot her husband while he was sleeping in their bed, as reported by the New York Post.

What allegedly followed was a methodical disposal of evidence. Gledhill reportedly confessed to her lover that she dragged Johnson's body down the stairs in a rooftop storage container, loaded it into the family minivan, and buried him in a shallow grave. She then allegedly discarded Johnson's phone, abandoned his truck in a different neighborhood, and scrubbed her car at a local car wash.

Parents in the Spotlight: Cleaning or Cover-Up?

The case took another twist when witnesses reported seeing Gledhill's parents at her home just days after the alleged murder. According to affidavits cited by PEOPLE, Thomas and Rosalie reportedly spent five hours at the house on Sept. 24, 2024, a claim they later denied — they say they spent only one hour at Gledhill's house that day.

Investigators, however, discovered bloodstains beneath the master bed, walls coated in bleach, and a suspiciously new mattress. Rosalie admitted to buying the mattress at Gledhill's request but claimed she knew nothing about the crime.

Adding to the mystery, authorities found that Gledhill had called her father, Thomas, the same day she allegedly buried her husband. Yet when questioned, Thomas said he didn't remember much about the day, as reported by PEOPLE. Police also discovered the parents had reset their phones, erasing all data prior to Gledhill's arrest.

Missing Evidence, Lingering Questions

Despite an intensive investigation, Johnson's body remains missing. A bloodstain in the master bedroom matched a male DNA profile, though further tests are needed to confirm if it belonged to Johnson. Police also discovered a loaded firearm in a plastic tote at Thomas and Rosalie's home, described as similar to one Gledhill had allegedly shown her lover just days before the murder.

Investigators have accused the parents of obstructing justice and hindering efforts to locate Johnson's remains. Their arrests on Oct. 24, 2024, marked another chapter in this deeply unsettling case.

A Family Shattered by Tragedy

Gledhill now faces nine felony charges, including first-degree murder, while her parents are charged with multiple counts of obstruction of justice. A judge has barred Gledhill from contacting her three children, further highlighting the case's devastating impact. Cottonwood Heights police released a statement urging the public to reserve judgment, stating, "We urge the public to refrain from drawing any conclusions as this investigation and prosecution are ongoing," as reported by PEOPLE.

Seeking Justice

As authorities continue the search for Matthew Johnson's remains, the case highlights the devastating consequences of betrayal, secrecy, and violence within a family. Prosecutors are committed to unraveling the truth and ensuring accountability for all involved. While many questions remain unanswered, the pursuit of justice for Johnson underscores the importance of diligence in cases that leave no room for second chances.

References: A Utah Mom Is Accused of Killing Husband in His Sleep Due to Her Affair. Why Were Her Parents Just Charged? | Parents of Utah woman accused of killing her husband are arrested after bombshell revelation