A tragic New Year’s visit turned devastating for a family when their 4-year-old boy went missing and was later found deceased in Alabama. The young boy, Johnathan Everett Boley, affectionately called “John John” by his family, disappeared on New Year’s Eve from a rural area near Jasper, Alabama, while playing outside.

The incident occurred as Johnathan was enjoying time outdoors with his dog on a property along Highway 195. Once it was realized he had wandered off, a massive search operation was launched, involving hundreds of law enforcement officers, volunteers, K-9 teams, drones, and aircraft, scouring several square miles of dense woodland.

On January 2, searchers made the heartbreaking discovery of Johnathan’s body approximately two miles from the house where he was staying. Remarkably, his loyal canine companion was found alive nearby. As of now, authorities have not disclosed the cause of death, pending an official autopsy.

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith expressed the collective sorrow felt by everyone involved, stating, “This is not the outcome anyone hoped for. Our hearts go out to this family and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this child home.”

The community and those who participated in the search are left to mourn the loss of a young life, as they remember Johnathan during this somber time.

“This is not the outcome anyone hoped for,” Smith said. “Our hearts go out to this family and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this child home.”

Authorities said that the young boy and his siblings live with their mother in Florida and were visiting their father for the holidays under a custody arrangement.

The boy was last seen wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants and Paw Patrol shoes before he disappeared from the home.

Missing 4-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley was found dead about two miles from his father’s home; his dog was found alive nearby. (FOX 13-WTVT)

During the news conference, investigators announced the arrest of the boy’s father, Jameson Kyle Boley, 40, which occurred amid the search.

Officials said Boley was charged with unlawful manufacture of a destructive device after investigators discovered precursor materials at the property.

Jameson Boley, 40, is charged with unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child.  (Blount County Jail)

According to a criminal complaint filed in Walker County District Court, Boley is accused of possessing precursor substances with the intent to unlawfully manufacture a destructive device or bacteriological weapon on or about Dec. 31, 2025, at the Highway 195 address. The charge is a felony under Alabama law, court records show.

Police said that the father’s charge is unrelated to the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death.

“At this time, there is no evidence indicating foul play in the child’s death, and these charges should not be conflated with the search for Johnathan,” Smith said.

Members of the Church of the Apostles and DaySpring Summer Camp in Parrish, Florida, gathered for a candlelight prayer vigil for Johnathan Boley. (FOX 13-WTVT)

In Parrish, Florida, community members gathered for a candlelight vigil for the young boy.

“For so many of us, our hearts are broken over the tragic loss,” Reverend Douglas Scharf, bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, told FOX 13.

Authorities asked the public to allow the family privacy as they grieve and said additional information would be released when available.