Body of Missing Alabama 4-Year-Old Found Days Later

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The body of a 4-year-old boy who went missing in Alabama before the end of 2025 has been discovered.

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed that the remains of Johnathan Boley were found on Friday morning, just a few miles from his home in Jasper.

“Like so many of you across our community, we’re devastated by this news,” Smith said. “Johnathan was an adventurous boy and loved the outdoors.”

Boley and his dog, Buck, were last seen walking into the woods near his father’s property off Highway 195 in Jasper late Wednesday morning. At the time of his disappearance, Boley was wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and clothing from the TV show “Paw Patrol.” Temperatures in the area had dropped into the 30s at night.

Smith stated that deputies found Boley’s dog alive next to his body.

Since Boley’s disappearance, his father, Jameson Boley, has been arrested and charged with previous warrants related to chemical endangerment and unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device. Jameson Boley was first arrested on Thursday after explosive materials were found in his home during a search for his son.

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Jameson Boley’s bond was set at $300,000, with a judge labeling him as a “danger to the community” due to the presence of explosives at his home where children were.

Smith did not provide any further details on the case, stating that the investigation is still ongoing.

Background on the Disappearance

Johnathan Boley was known in the community as a curious and energetic child. His love for the outdoors often led him to explore nearby woods and trails. On the day he went missing, he was seen walking away from his family's property with his dog, Buck, which added to the concern among neighbors and law enforcement.

The weather conditions at the time of his disappearance were particularly challenging. With temperatures dropping into the 30s, the risk of hypothermia was a major concern. Local authorities launched a search operation, involving both ground teams and aerial support, to locate the young boy.

The Role of the Dog

One of the most significant developments in the case was the discovery of Boley’s dog, Buck, alive and near the boy’s remains. This detail provided some hope that the dog might have played a role in leading rescuers to the location. However, it also raised questions about how the boy ended up in such a remote area.

The presence of the dog suggested that Johnathan may have wandered off on his own, but it also highlighted the need for more information about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Arrest of the Father

Jameson Boley’s arrest came as a shock to many in the community. He had previously been involved in legal issues, including charges related to chemical endangerment and the possession of explosive materials. These charges raised concerns about the safety of children in his home and the environment in which they lived.

The discovery of explosive materials in his residence during the search for his son led to his immediate arrest. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the presence of such materials posed a serious threat to public safety, especially given the proximity to children.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite the discovery of Johnathan’s remains, the investigation into his death is still in progress. Authorities have not released any additional details about the cause of death or the events that led to his disappearance.

Sheriff Smith has urged the community to remain patient as investigators work to piece together the full story. He also encouraged anyone with information to come forward, as it could be crucial to the case.

Community Response

The loss of Johnathan Boley has deeply affected the community of Jasper and beyond. Many residents have expressed their grief and support for the family, while others have called for greater awareness of child safety and the dangers of unsecured hazardous materials in homes.

Local organizations and advocacy groups have also stepped in to offer assistance to the family during this difficult time. They have emphasized the importance of community support and the need for continued vigilance in protecting children.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on finding answers and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again.