Current Updates on Marcia Johnson and Judy Gellert: What to Know Before Watching Cabin in the Woods on ID

The murders of war veteran Jack Irwin and the involvement of his acquaintances, Marcia Johnson and Judy Gellert, continue to be one of Upland’s most unsettling mysteries, with several unresolved elements. This case, which dates back to 1999, remains just as captivating today.

Jack Irwin’s murder is also featured in the Investigation Discovery true-crime series, Cabin in the Woods. The second episode, titled Murder on Mt. Baldy, is set to debut on September 16, 2024, at 10:00 PM EST. The episode synopsis states:

“Tragedy strikes a mountain community when beloved resident, 71-year-old Jack Irwin, disappears without a trace; strange crimes plague the old cabin where Jack used to live, prompting a compelling wiretap operation.”

Initially, the investigation seemed stagnant until police focused their attention on Marcia Johnson and Judy Gellert, who became friends with Irwin several months before his death. Following a challenging interrogation, Marcia confessed to murdering Jack Irwin and was sentenced to life in prison, where she remains today.

Conversely, Judy Gellert testified against Marcia and received a lighter sentence in exchange for her cooperation. She was sentenced to 180 days of imprisonment, five years of probation, and a $150,000 fine. Judy is now living a private life after her release.

Involvement of Marcia Johnson and Judy Gellert in Jack Irwin’s Murder

Marcia and Judy used Jack Irwin to fulfill their financial needs (Image via Pexels) — Marcia and Judy took advantage of Jack Irwin to meet their financial needs (Image via Pexels)

In 1999, Jack Irwin decided to end his lonely existence in a cabin and bought a home in Upland. This decision coincided with him putting his cabin up for sale, which attracted Marcia Johnson and Judy Gellert, who expressed interest in purchasing the Mount Baldy property.

They contacted Irwin, claiming to lack immediate funds, and he, being the kind soul he was, allowed them to stay at the cabin and pay a mortgage.

Over time, Judy and Marcia grew closer to the elderly war veteran and manipulated him into signing over his financial assets. They gained access to his bank accounts and had him sign a document that would give them ownership of the cabin upon his death.

Just months after Jack allowed them to take possession of the cabin, they reportedly stopped making mortgage payments, which Jack later expressed concern about to his friends.

On October 3, 1999, Marcia Johnson reported Jack Irwin missing. Friends who were wary of the duo alerted authorities, leading to an investigation focused on Judy Gellert and Marcia Johnson.

It was discovered that the pair had effectively drained Jack’s bank account, set his cabin ablaze for insurance money, and sold his Upland property to finance a new home in San Diego—all of which suggested a clear motive.

Eventually, police brought Marcia in for questioning. Under pressure, she confessed to shooting Jack Irwin in the back of the head before dismembering him with a chainsaw, claiming she acted out of anger after he criticized Judy and allegedly exposed himself to her.

Current Status of Judy Gellert and Marcia Johnson

Both Marcia and Judy were arrested and charged (Image via Pexels) — Both Marcia and Judy were arrested and subsequently charged (Image via Pexels)

Marcia was arrested immediately after her confession and charged with several crimes. Judy, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen property and testified against Marcia, leading to the dismissal of additional charges. She received a 180-day prison sentence, five years’ probation, and a $150,000 restitution fine.

Marcia was convicted on 26 counts, including the first-degree murder of Jack Irwin and is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the California Institution for Women in Chino, California. Judy, however, was released soon after and has maintained a low profile since then.

Viewers can look forward to more detailed coverage of this case in the upcoming episode of Cabin in the Woods.

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