Wealthy Utah family torn apart after mom makes shocking 'confession' about missing serviceman husband

A wealthy Utah mother shot her serviceman husband dead as he slept at their $1 million home, then dumped his body in a shallow grave, police say.  

Jennifer Gledhill, 41, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Wednesday for murder and obstruction of justice after her husband Matthew Johnson, 51, vanished late last month. 

In an arrest affidavit seen by The Gephardt Daily, Gledhill reportedly confessed to blasting Johnson to death before dumping his body.  

A confidential informant is said to have told officers that Gledhill had confessed to the crime. 

Detectives probing the disappearance of Johnson, a member of the United States Military Special Operations Unit, found a large blood stain at the family's stunning $967,000 home in Cottonwood Heights, which is a suburb of Salt Lake City.

Gledhill is also accused of buying a new mattress after disposing of the one her husband died on.  

Authorities said on Monday the case was 'suspicious' after his truck was found just a few blocks from their house. 

He was reported missing on September 23 after he failed to show up for work with the Utah National Guard. 

The affidavit says: 'Johnson was shot while on the mattress inside the master bedroom of their home in Cottonwood Heights. 

'Jennifer told the [informant] she had removed the body of Johnson and had relocated his remains to a shallow grave at an undisclosed location. 

'Gledhill also told the [informant] she had been removing items from the home and destroying them to cover up this crime.

'Several search warrants have been obtained and served on electronic devices which have led investigators to believe the remains of Johnson are at the same undisclosed location as described by the [informant].'

Officers reported in the affidavit that there was also evidence of a significant cleanup, which included the walls being bleached. 

Police say that phone records showed that a new mattress was ordered on September 24 and arrived at their home two days later. 

Officers asked for a 'No Bail' to be issued, saying they believe Gledhill would further tamper or remove critical evidence, and that she was a flight risk. 

According to court documents seen by KSL, Gledhill had filed for divorce from Johnson in July. She then filed a petition for a temporary protective order in August.

The outlet reported that 3rd District Commissioner Russell Minas said the protective order was not warranted and that 'no abuse' had occurred. 

She submitted videos claiming a need for the order, but the ruling stated the videos portrayed her as being 'equally confrontational'. 

According to text messages also submitted, Gledhill was 'repeatedly berating, belittling, and demeaning' toward Johnson, the ruling said. 

Police confirmed to the outlet that they had also visited couple's home for civil matters previously. The couple share two sons and a daughter aged 11, 7, and 5.

The Cottonwood Heights Police Department said: 'We want to express our heartfelt sympathy to the families, especially to the Johnson children. These unfortunate tragedies tear apart the fabric of our families.

'We extend our gratitude to our partners at the DA Office, State Crime Lab, and Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts.'