URGENT UPDATE: A 4-year-old boy missing since December 31, 2023, has been found dead in Jasper, Alabama. The Walker County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Johnathan Everett Boley was discovered near his father’s home, approximately two miles away, with his dog Buck still alive by his side.
Authorities reported that Johnathan was last seen around noon on New Year’s Eve when he was visiting his father, Jameson Boley. It was his 6-year-old brother who last saw him walking away with Buck. The tragic news was revealed during a press conference by Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith, who stated, “We have located Johnathan, and Johnathan is deceased.”
The circumstances surrounding Johnathan’s death remain unclear. A search operation involving volunteers and the FBI was initiated in the area where Johnathan was last seen. However, the search faced interruptions due to concerns about possible explosives found on his father’s property and in nearby woods. Sheriff Smith later confirmed that the devices discovered in the woods were deemed non-explosive.
Jameson Boley has been taken into custody following the discovery of explosive materials during a search of his property on Thursday. He faces charges related to explosives and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child, as reported by CBS 42. Specific details regarding these charges have not been disclosed.
Johnathan was living with his mother, who relocated to Florida last year and is separated from Jameson Boley. He was visiting his father under a custody agreement at the time of his disappearance. Sheriff Smith expressed the community’s heartbreak, stating, “Like so many of you across our community, we’re aware and devastated by this news. This is going to be a very hard time for our community.”
No further information is currently available, but the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking incident. The community is in mourning as they grapple with the loss of a young life.
This developing story emphasizes the urgent need for safety and vigilance in custody situations, and community members are encouraged to support one another during this difficult time.
