Wife of missing Utah National Guardsman arrested for suspected murder

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah – Police have arrested the wife of a missing Salt Lake area man and say she will be charged with his murder.

On September 23, 51-year-old Matthew Johnson was reported missing after he failed to show up for work at his Utah National Guard base. Police appealed for the public's help and said his disappearance was suspicious. His truck was found a few blocks from his home in Cottonwood Heights.

He was last seen on September 20th and witnesses told police that Johnson and his wife had an argument sometime between September 20th and 21st. Cottonwood Heights police also said officers had previously been called to the family's home and they knew the couple was considering divorce. They have three children together.

Cottonwood Heights police announced Wednesday that they have arrested 41-year-old Jennifer Gledhill on charges of murder and obstruction of justice.

Officials said they believe Johnson died of a gunshot wound; However, they did not specify how they reached this conclusion other than that they collected “significant physical and digital evidence as well as witness statements.”

It is not yet known whether Johnson's body has been found.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the families, especially the Johnson children. These unfortunate tragedies are destroying the fabric of our families,” the ministry’s announcement said. “We thank our partners at the DA Office, the State Crime Lab and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts.”