The body of a 4-year-old boy who had been missing in Walker County has been located, according to local law enforcement. The Walker County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that Johnathan Everett Boley’s body was found approximately two miles from his residence. Alongside him was his dog, Buck, who was discovered alive.
This announcement comes after an extensive search effort that lasted three days. On Thursday, Sheriff Nick Smith reported that search teams, including 161 volunteers and 126 law enforcement officers from various agencies, covered around 500 acres. The community remained engaged, with more than 100 volunteers joining the search efforts on Friday. Authorities expanded the search area into places not yet explored, though volunteers were instructed to avoid the zones near the child’s home.
Johnathan, affectionately known as “John John,” was last seen around 11:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve near the 7000 block of Highway 195, in the vicinity of the Manchester and Thach communities. He is described as four feet tall and weighing 50 pounds, wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and Paw Patrol shoes at the time of his disappearance.
In a tragic turn of events, the search faced complications due to the discovery of explosive materials in the home of the child’s father, Jameson Kyle Boley. He has since been charged with unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child. Sheriff Smith clarified that these charges are not connected to Johnathan’s disappearance, but they have impeded the search process. The area around the family’s residence was deemed hazardous, prompting law enforcement to caution civilian volunteers against participating in the ground search at that location.
Authorities emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to check their security cameras and properties for any signs of the boy. Sheriff Smith expressed hope that Johnathan and Buck could have provided each other warmth during the cold nights since his disappearance.
The search operation included a thermal imaging drone and dive teams, however, initial efforts to locate Johnathan did not reveal any heat signatures. As the investigation unfolds, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, State Bureau of Investigation, and local police departments continue to assist the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
The case has drawn attention not only due to the nature of the search but also the background of the child’s family. It has been noted that the boy’s parents are separated, with his mother having traveled from Florida to assist in the ongoing efforts.
In this challenging situation, the hope remains that the community can learn from these events and come together to support one another during difficult times. As more details emerge, it is crucial for residents to assist law enforcement with any information that could aid in similar future incidents. Anyone with relevant information regarding Johnathan’s disappearance is urged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.