URGENT UPDATE: A 4-year-old boy who went missing on New Year’s Eve in Jasper, Alabama, has been found dead, confirming the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. Johnathan Everett Boley was discovered Friday, January 5, 2024, approximately two miles from his father’s residence, with his dog Buck still alive beside him.
Authorities report that Johnathan was last seen around noon on December 31, 2023, while visiting his father, Jameson Boley. According to reports from WTSP, Johnathan’s 6-year-old brother witnessed him walking away with Buck, prompting a massive search operation.
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed in a press conference that volunteers and the FBI had joined efforts to locate the boy. However, the search had to be temporarily halted due to concerns over potential explosives found on Jameson Boley’s property. Smith later clarified that the devices in the area were non-explosive.
Following the discovery of explosive materials on his property, Jameson Boley was taken into custody. He faces charges related to explosives and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child, although specific details about the allegations remain scarce, as reported by CBS 42 and NBC News.
Johnathan had been living with his mother in Florida since last year and was visiting his father as part of a custody arrangement. 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.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the situation. Community members are urged to support one another during this tragic moment.
Stay tuned for more developments on this heartbreaking story.
