WALKER COUNTY, Ala. – A heartbreaking three-day search for four-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley, affectionately known as “John John,” has concluded with the discovery of his body on Friday, January 2, following his disappearance on New Year’s Eve.
John John was last seen around 11:30 a.m. in the vicinity of Highway 195 in north Walker County, where he was playing outside with his brother and their dog, Buck. The initial report of John John being missing was made to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) shortly after noon on Wednesday.
Sheriff Nick Smith stated that John John’s brother noted that both the boy and the dog had crossed a fence line together. Immediately following the report, search crews employed a thermal imaging drone, yet were unable to detect any heat signatures in the area. Dive teams conducted searches in nearby ponds, but the ground search was hindered by the discovery of explosive materials in the home where John John was staying with his father.
Jameson Kyle Boley, John John’s father, has been charged with unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child. Smith emphasized that these charges are not connected to John John’s disappearance but are relevant to safety concerns during the search. Authorities had identified at least eight other explosive devices on the property, which were awaiting examination by an FBI bomb disposal team. The situation escalated as neighbors reported explosions in the area for weeks prior to the incident, contributing to the tense atmosphere around the search efforts.
Despite the tragic outcome, Smith praised the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police departments, in the search for the boy. Smith expressed deep sorrow during a press conference following the discovery of John John’s body, located approximately two miles from his home. He noted that Buck, the family dog, remained with John John and is alive.
As the community mourns this tragic loss, a vigil will be held at the Cornerstone Assembly of God in Walker County on the evening of January 2, where donations will be collected for the family. Pastor Parker Darnell addressed the emotional turmoil surrounding the event, offering support to those grappling with the grief and seeking answers in the wake of this tragedy.
Local authorities have confirmed that further investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information arises. The tragic loss of John John serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children, and the community’s outpouring of support reflects their desire to heal and honor his memory.