Body of 4-Year-Old Found After Missing with Dog on New Year's Eve

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A Tragic Discovery in Jasper, Alabama

Police have discovered the body of a four-year-old boy from Jasper, Alabama, who went missing on New Year’s Eve along with his dog. The child, Johnathan Everett Boley, known as John John, was last seen around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the small town located about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham. His body was found on Friday afternoon, approximately two miles from his home, following a two-day search. Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed the tragic news during a press conference.

Buck, the black Labrador retriever that accompanied Johnathan, was found alive near the boy's body. The community expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with Smith stating that everyone was “devastated by this news.” He shared that Johnathan was an adventurous child who loved the outdoors.

Details of the Disappearance

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding the child’s disappearance around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. According to Smith, Johnathan was playing outside with his six-year-old brother and his dog before he vanished. The brother informed his father that Johnathan and the dog had gone past the fence line.

When police arrived at the scene, they first searched the home to ensure the child wasn’t hiding inside. They then used drones for aerial searches, along with helicopters, thermal detection equipment, and K-9 units to locate the missing boy.

During the search, investigators found “evidence of explosive devices on the property” and “at least eight other potential explosive devices” across the street. However, they later determined that these items were not explosives. The house was also cleared, and the FBI was involved in processing the area to contain and remove any hazardous materials.

Legal Issues and Family Background

Smith mentioned that Johnathan’s father was charged, but it had “nothing to do with the connection of the missing child, it’s something totally separate.” Although he did not provide details about the charges, WVTM 13 reported that Jameson Kyle Boley, the father, was charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of a child and one count of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological weapon.

Neighbors told investigators that they had been hearing explosions for weeks, though they were unsure of the source. One neighbor reported hearing an explosion around 4 a.m. the morning before the report came in, but no direct link to the missing child was established.

Johnathan’s parents are separated, and his mother moved to Florida about a year ago. His father had “five days of custody a year,” according to Smith. Despite the circumstances, the family, including the father, has been actively helping to provide information during the search.

Ongoing Investigations

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its efforts to understand what happened. While the exact cause of Johnathan’s disappearance remains unclear, the community is coming together to support the family during this difficult time. The sheriff emphasized that the family has been cooperative throughout the process.

The Independent has reached out to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office for more information. As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and vigilance in such situations.