Jasper, Alabama, January 4, 2026
The search for 4-year-old Johnathan ‘John John’ Boley ended in tragedy as his body was found in a wooded area near his father’s home. Johnathan had been missing since New Year’s Eve, with extensive search efforts yielding his loyal dog Buck, found alive nearby. While no signs of foul play were immediately apparent, his father faces unrelated charges that have raised concerns within the community about the family’s circumstances.
Jasper, Alabama
Jasper, Alabama – The search for missing 4-year-old Johnathan “John John” Boley concluded tragically on January 2, 2026, when his body was discovered in a wooded area near his father’s residence. The boy had been missing since New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. His loyal black Labrador retriever, Buck, who had also disappeared with him, was found alive nearby.
Johnathan’s body was located by a volunteer approximately two miles from his father’s home in the Thach community of Walker County, Alabama. Authorities indicated there were no immediate signs of foul play, and it is believed the child may have wandered off while playing with his 6-year-old brother. The cause of death is yet to be determined, with investigations ongoing.
Extensive Search Efforts and Unrelated Arrest
The disappearance of Johnathan prompted a massive search operation involving hundreds of volunteers and officials from various agencies, including the FBI. The search covered an expansive 500-acre area, utilizing drones, helicopters, tracking dogs, and divers in the rural landscape of Jasper, a small city located about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham.
Amidst the search, Johnathan’s father, Jameson Kyle Boley, 40, was arrested on charges unrelated to his son’s disappearance. Investigators discovered evidence of explosive devices on and around Boley’s property, leading to charges of unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapon. Additionally, he faces two counts of chemical endangerment of a child, connected to the alleged exposure of his children to methamphetamine. Court records suggest that on December 31, 2025, the father knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally exposed his two children to methamphetamine. Neighbors reported hearing explosions in the area for weeks leading up to the incident. Law enforcement emphasized that the charges against Jameson Kyle Boley were separate from the case of his missing son.
Background and Community Response
Johnathan was last seen around 11:30 a.m. on December 31, 2025, near Highway 195 in Jasper. He was reportedly wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and Paw Patrol shoes. The children were visiting their father for the holidays, as their parents are separated and the boys typically reside with their mother in Florida. Johnathan was scheduled to return to his mother on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office received the missing person report from Jameson Kyle Boley around 12:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The sheriff described Johnathan as an adventurous boy who loved the outdoors, a sentiment echoed by his aunt. The community has expressed profound sadness and devastation over the tragic outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened to Johnathan “John John” Boley?
- Johnathan “John John” Boley, a 4-year-old boy, was found deceased in a wooded area near his father’s residence in Jasper, Alabama, on January 2, 2026.
- When did Johnathan “John John” Boley go missing?
- He went missing on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.
- Where was Johnathan “John John” Boley found?
- His body was found in a wooded area approximately two miles from his father’s home in the Thach community of Walker County, Alabama.
- Was anyone arrested in connection with Johnathan’s disappearance or death?
- Johnathan’s father, Jameson Kyle Boley, was arrested on charges unrelated to his son’s disappearance. These charges include unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapon and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child, related to methamphetamine.
- What was the role of the family dog, Buck?
- Johnathan’s black Labrador retriever, Buck, who went missing with him, was found alive near Johnathan’s body.
Key Details of the Johnathan “John John” Boley Case
| Detail | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Johnathan “John John” Boley | Local |
| Age | 4 years old | Local |
| Date Missing | December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve) | Local |
| Date Found Deceased | January 2, 2026 | Local |
| Location Found | Wooded area, approximately two miles from father’s home in Jasper, Walker County, Alabama | Local |
| Father’s Name | Jameson Kyle Boley | Local |
| Father’s Charges | Unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapon; two counts of chemical endangerment of a child (related to methamphetamine) | State-level (Alabama) |
| Family Dog | Buck (black Labrador retriever), found alive near Johnathan’s body | Local |
| Initial Cause of Death | Undetermined; no immediate signs of foul play; believed to have wandered off | Local |
| Search Scope | Over 500 acres, involving hundreds of volunteers and agencies including FBI | State-level (Alabama) |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
