LOCAL NEWS

Cottonwood Heights Police continue search for body of Utah National Guardsman 

Oct 21, 2024, 5:56 PM | Updated: 6:40 pm

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — Multiple law enforcement agencies are continuing to search for the body of a Utah National Guardsman who police believe was killed by his estranged wife. 

Charging documents state Jennifer Gledhill had admitted to an informant she had killed her estranged husband Matthew Johnson and buried his body “north” in a shallow grave. 

Sgt. Gary Young, public information officer for Cottonwood Heights Police Department, said investigators have focused their search in Farmington Bay. 

“We’re checking the likely areas off the roadway. Not on a busy area where she’d be seen,” he said. 

Documents also state Gledhill’s phone data showed she had traveled north on Interstate 215 toward the Legacy Parkway and was later recorded on surveillance video at a gas station in Centerville. 

According to Young, more than 25 warrants have been filed in order to obtain cell phone records, “for the car, for text messaging. We’re still looking into every viable lead.” 

Young said investigators have not been able to narrow down where Johnson’s body could be, but are working diligently with other agencies from Davis and Weber County, along with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and volunteers from the Utah National Guard. 

“This is not normal for Cottonwood Heights,” Young said. “We lost a valuable community member and it’s a very, hard thing to take. We’re doing our very best for the investigation. We’re following up every lead. (And) We’re taking us where the evidence will take us. And we hope that we have a logical conclusion when we find the shallow grave.” 

Young said the department will continue to search and hope to find Johnson’s body before any factors like winter weather can prevent them from doing so. 

Johnson was initially reported missing on Sept. 20.

 

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Skiers compete at the Dear Valley World Cup....

Emma Benson

‘Super Bowl of freestyle’: World’s best skiers compete at Deer Valley World Cup

The Super Bowl may be tomorrow, but they call this the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing.

27 minutes ago

Construction work on the Cottage Homes development in Sandy on Dec. 9. A study led by a University ...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Mass deportation negatively impacts housing availability, affordability, jobs, Utah study says

A month before President Donald Trump officially took office on Jan. 20, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reinforced the state's plans to aid the Trump administration in deporting undocumented immigrants living in the country en masse.

1 hour ago

FILE - A snowplow in Little Cottonwood Canyon as the storm hits the road....

Jacob Freeman

7 separate accidents cause delays on I-15 in Lehi

Drivers were experiencing delays Saturday evening after seven separate accidents were reported on Interstate 15 in Lehi.

3 hours ago

People walk through art booths at the Art Market at Millcreek Common on Jan. 24. (Millcreek Common)...

Cassidy Wixcom, KSL.com

‘Connect with community’: Millcreek art show spotlights Wasatch Front-inspired pieces

For Miriam Gutierrez, connecting with other local artists can be an eye-opening experience seeing what people from different areas create.

5 hours ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

7 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Jacob Freeman

One dead after avalanche in Big Cottonwood

One person died after an avalanche in the Silver Fork area of Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Cottonwood Heights Police continue search for body of Utah National Guardsman