The body of a four-year-old boy who vanished on New Year's Eve has been discovered in a wooded area of Alabama, bringing a tragic end to a desperate two-day search. Johnathan Everett Boley, affectionately known as 'John John', was found on Friday afternoon approximately two miles from his family home in Jasper.
A Community Left Devastated
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed the heartbreaking discovery, stating the local community was 'devastated' by the loss. He described Johnathan as an 'adventurous boy' with a great love for the outdoors. In a poignant detail, the child's black Labrador retriever, named Buck, was found alive near his body.
Explosive Devices Found on Family Property
During the intensive search for the missing boy, investigators made a shocking and separate discovery on the family's property. Evidence of explosive devices was uncovered, leading to the immediate arrest of the child's father.
Jameson Kyle Boley now faces serious charges, including chemical endangerment of a child and the unlawful manufacture of a destructive device. Authorities have been clear that these charges are unrelated to his son's disappearance and subsequent death. The investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding Johnathan's death remains ongoing.
Timeline of a Tragedy
New Year's Eve (Wednesday): Johnathan Everett Boley is reported missing from his home in Jasper, Alabama, prompting a large-scale search operation.
Friday afternoon: After 48 hours, the child's body is discovered roughly two miles from his home. His dog, Buck, is located alive at the scene.
The case has sent waves of grief through Walker County, with the sheriff's office continuing its work to understand the full sequence of events that led to this unthinkable outcome.
