Family releases statement after woman’s body found in backseat of car

Update 1/1, 6:40 p.m.:

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The family of the woman who was found dead in the backseat of a vehicle during a traffic stop has released a statement, identifying her and saying her death is a “tragic and untimely loss.”

In the statement, provided to ABC4.com by attorney Christopher Ault, the family identified the victim as Summer Tatiana Roney and said she 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,” the statement reads. “This senseless act has left an unfillable void in our hearts.”

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve. The full statement from the family is below:

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 is.”

Statement from family of Summer Tatiana Roney

The driver of the car, identified as Jacob Johnson, 40, was safely taken into custody by the Saratoga Springs Police Department on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. While speaking with investigators, Johnson allegedly said he was in an intimate relationship with the victim and the two lived together in Herriman.

Court records show Johnson was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail where he faces first-degree felony murder. He has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.

Original story: Woman’s body found in backseat of car during Bluffdale traffic stop

HERRIMAN, Utah (ABC4) — A woman’s body was found in the backseat of a man’s car during a late-night traffic stop in Bluffdale, according to court documents.

Sgt. Greg Shaver with the Herriman Police Department confirmed the body was found inside the car at a gas station parking lot near Redwood Road and Porter Rockwell Boulevard.

Just after midnight, police conducted a DUI investigation which led to the discovery of the deceased female. Court documents say the victim was found with “significant injuries and trauma that would be consistent with homicide.”

The driver of the car, identified as Jacob Johnson, 40, was safely taken into custody by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. While speaking with investigators, Johnson allegedly said he was in an intimate relationship with the victim and the two lived together in Herriman.

Johnson reportedly said he and the victim had an argument and said “it was over with their relationship,” according to court documents. When asked if the victim had any injuries, Johnson reportedly said there was physical trauma but would not elaborate. Johnson then allegedly admitted to putting the victim in the backseat of his car.

Court records show Johnson was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail where he faces first-degree felony murder. He has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.

There is no further information available at this time.

MJ Jewkes contributed to this report.

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