Family identifies woman found dead in car at Bluffdale gas station
Jan 1, 2025, 6:25 PM | Updated: Jan 4, 2025, 8:48 pm
BLUFFDALE — The woman allegedly killed by an ex-boyfriend was identified by her family members 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 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 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 7-11 gas station, located 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.”
A 2007 mug shot of Jacob Holt Johnson. (Utah Department of Corrections)
Johnson was taken to the Saratoga Springs Police Department and, during an interview, told officers 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 document said.
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.”
Several of Roney’s friends told KSL TV they would miss their friend and cherish their time together.
“Summer brought a lot of positivity, love and joy into our lives and it will never be forgotten,” said Christina Urcino.
“Though she may be gone, I believe she will always be with us,” added Kayleigh White. “Guiding us to find happiness when we think of her.”
Roney’s friends also want the person responsible for her death to be held accountable and face justice.
“This was not fair; justice must be served,” said Victoria Spencer.
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.
On Thursday, Herriman police confirmed that Roney was the person found dead in Johnson’s vehicle.
Contributing: Mary Culbertson, KSL TV
If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available.
- The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
- Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website.
- 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
