The family of Summer Tatiana Roney, who was found dead in her ex-boyfriend's vehicle on New Year's Eve in 2024, stated on Oct. 22, 2026, they would support a plea deal for Jacob Holt Johnson only if it guarantees he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Family Demands Life Sentence
As 42-year-old Jacob Holt Johnson prepares to return to court for a preliminary hearing, the victim's sister, Michelle Tischner, said the family is prepared to accept a plea agreement on the strict condition of a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Tischner, who served as Roney's legal guardian, said the family has spent nearly two years waiting for the case to move toward trial.
"Nothing less than life without parole," Tischner said on Oct. 22, 2026. "Anything less than that would just, it would break me. It would break me for Summer. It would not be fair for Summer. And at the end of the day, this is about Summer."
Details of the 2024 Discovery
The case stems from the Dec. 31, 2024, discovery of 30-year-old Roney's body in the back of a Jeep parked at a 7-Eleven at 15871 S. Redwood Road in Bluffdale. According to court documents, Johnson was found unconscious in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Prosecutors described the condition in which Roney's body was found as "especially heinous and cruel."
Tischner described the circumstances of the death as a prolonged act of torture. "We are talking about torture that went on for hours," she said. "And I have to live with that. Summer lived it. Jacob was the last person she saw and that breaks my heart every day."
History of Abuse and Investigation
The investigation into the homicide revealed a violent history between the two. Tischner noted that Roney had cognitive limitations and functioned at the level of a 12-year-old, describing her as a vulnerable adult who was "forever 12" and an "innocent child." Tischner believes Johnson preyed on Roney during their 3.5-year relationship, noting he held significant strength over her.
Prior reporting from KUTV News in January 2025 detailed that officers discovered Roney's body in a cardboard box in the trunk of the vehicle. Investigators reported finding an extension cord around her neck and multiple bruises and lacerations to her head, arms, and legs. During the search of Johnson's Herriman home, detectives found blood, signs of a cleaned crime scene, and a bat on the kitchen floor with smudge marks suggesting it had been recently washed.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Johnson faces a range of felony charges, including first-degree felony aggravated murder, second-degree felony obstruction of justice, third-degree felony possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, and third-degree felony desecration of a human body.
While Tischner remains focused on securing justice for her sister, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated that prosecutors remain open to all possible outcomes. "On every prosecution, we are open to any outcome, anything from a trial to any disposition," Gill said in a statement. Gill added that the office is exploring all options to bring justice to the victim.
A Legacy of Resilience
The investigation into the death of Roney, who was born in Russia and adopted by her family in the United States, highlighted a pattern of domestic violence. Tischner recalled that Roney's relationship with Johnson was characterized by significant volatility. She noted an incident in 2021 that required her to contact police on Roney's behalf.
As the family mourns, Tischner emphasized her determination to attend every court hearing to ensure justice is served. She noted that she does not want to be in the same room as Johnson during the trial and hopes the legal outcome ensures he can never harm another person again.
Upcoming Court Hearing
Johnson's preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2026, with Judge Richard Daynes at the Third District Court in West Jordan. The hearing is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. at 8080 S. Redwood Road.
