Wife Accused of Killing Sleeping Husband Asked Dad for Cash Days Before Alleged Murder

A Utah mother of three is facing nine felony charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the alleged killing of her husband, who authorities say had recently discovered her extramarital affair. Jennifer Gledhill is accused of shooting Matthew Johnson, her husband, while he was asleep in their bed. His body has yet to be found, but investigators believe he was murdered and buried in a shallow grave. According to newly unsealed court documents, just two days before Johnson’s disappearance, Gledhill sent a text message to her father requesting a large sum of money. “I need 13K by Friday,” she allegedly wrote on Sept. 19, 2024. That same day, her father, Thomas Gledhill, transferred her $1,000 via Venmo.

Financial Request Raises Questions

The motive behind Jennifer Gledhill’s sudden request for $13,000 remains unclear, as court documents do not specify why she needed the funds. The financial plea, however, came just before the last known sighting of Johnson on Sept. 20. Authorities later arrested Thomas and Rosalie Gledhill, Jennifer’s parents, in October on felony charges of obstruction of justice. Investigators allege the couple helped their daughter clean the home after the suspected murder, potentially tampering with crucial evidence. Search warrants have been issued for multiple digital and financial records, including Venmo accounts belonging to Jennifer and her parents, bank transactions, and GPS data tied to Johnson’s vehicle. Investigators hope the information will help piece together the timeline of events surrounding Johnson’s disappearance.

Alleged Confession and Affair

Court filings detail an alleged confession from Gledhill to a man she was reportedly having an affair with. The unnamed individual told police that Gledhill described an argument with her husband in which Johnson accused her of being unfaithful. According to the informant, Gledhill admitted to shooting Johnson in the head while he was asleep using his firearm. She allegedly told the same individual that she disposed of Johnson’s body by placing it in a storage container and burying it in a shallow grave. Despite extensive searches, Johnson’s remains have not been located.

Gledhill Pleads Not Guilty; Trial Set for December

Jennifer Gledhill was formally charged in October 2024 with nine felonies, including murder, obstruction of justice, and desecration of a body. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A judge recently denied her bail request, citing the severity of the accusations and the ongoing risk to public safety. Her trial is scheduled to begin in December 2025. Until then, she remains in custody as investigators continue to search for Johnson’s body and build their case. The chilling nature of the case, combined with the alleged affair and financial mystery, has drawn widespread attention in Utah and beyond as the legal proceedings continue.