BREAKING: Four-year-old Johnathan Boley found deceased near Jasper, father held on separate explosives charges
Walker County is grieving today. Authorities found four-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley deceased this morning in a wooded area about two miles from his father’s home near Jasper. His dog, Buck, was alive at his side. The cause of death is not yet known. Investigators are urging patience as the medical examiners do their work.
What is confirmed, and what is not
A large search began on New Year’s Eve. Local officers, the FBI, and more than 160 volunteers used drones, helicopters, K-9s, and divers. The sheriff’s office confirmed the discovery today and said the investigation remains active. They are not drawing conclusions about how Johnathan died. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will conduct the autopsy. Results often take days, sometimes weeks, when toxicology is needed.
- Confirmed now: the child was found this morning, two miles from the home, the family dog survived, cause of death pending
- Still unknown: manner of death, timeline of events, whether anyone will face charges related to the death, whether any federal agency will take the lead
Do not spread unverified claims. The wrong rumor can harm an innocent person and damage the case.
The father’s arrest is separate, and it matters legally
Johnathan’s father, Jameson Kyle Boley, is in custody on unrelated explosive-related charges. Deputies say they found suspected explosive materials during the search of the property. He faces counts for unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological weapon, and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child. A judge set bond at 300,000 dollars.
These are serious felonies under Alabama law. The unlawful manufacture charge can carry a long prison term if proven. Chemical endangerment is often used when children are exposed to dangerous substances, including explosive precursors or drug-related chemicals. The state must still prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bail is a constitutional right in Alabama for non-capital offenses. Judges may set a high bond amount to address community safety and to ensure a defendant appears in court. The court can also impose conditions, like no contact orders or limits on handling chemicals. As of this hour, the sheriff has drawn a clear line. The explosives case is separate from the investigation into Johnathan’s death. There is no public allegation that the father caused the child’s death.
Presumption of innocence applies. Charges are accusations, not proof.
Citizen rights and responsibilities right now
Residents have a right to assemble and mourn. A community vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central tonight at Cornerstone Church on Highway 195 in Jasper. Expect a visible law enforcement presence for safety and traffic. The First Amendment protects peaceful assembly and speech, including prayer and remembrance.
If you live near the search area, you may see investigators marking or closing sections of land. Police can secure a scene to protect evidence. They need a warrant to search private property unless a lawful exception applies. If agents request security camera footage, you can ask for a written request. Saving video from the past week could help the timeline.
For people who want to help, direct support toward official channels. Volunteer search operations are paused today as the scene is processed. The sheriff’s office will announce any renewed calls for help. Please avoid hiking or driving into marked areas. That protects evidence and keeps you safe.
If you have relevant photos, video, or information from December 31 to January 2, contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. Preserve original files and note the time and location.
Policy and process, what happens next
The autopsy will set the next steps. Cause and manner of death guide charging decisions, if any are warranted. Toxicology can take time, so patience is part of the process. Multi-agency participation is expected to continue. The FBI often assists when explosives are involved, because federal laws may apply to certain devices and materials. That does not mean federal charges will follow, only that technical expertise is on hand.
On the explosives case, prosecutors will present the charges to a judge for preliminary review. The defense can seek a bond reduction and discovery. If the state believes any risk remains, it can ask for bond conditions. If federal agents take custody of the explosive materials, a federal review may occur. Any such move would be announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not assumed.
For the community, grief is real and raw. So is the need for answers. The best path is careful work, clear communication, and respect for the law. We will continue to separate what is confirmed from what is not, and we will press for timely updates on both the death investigation and the pending court proceedings.
In moments like this, facts matter most. A child’s life deserves nothing less.
