Family of 4-year-old Johnathan Boley describes him as adventurous and loving

WALKER COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — The body of 4-year-old Johnathan Boley was found Friday within two miles of his father’s home in Walker County.

Johnathan Boley initially went missing on New Year’s Eve. He was last seen by his 6-year-old brother entering a wooded area behind their father’s home. Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith did not give many details about where or how the child’s body was found, but he said the investigation is still ongoing.

“Like so many of you across our community, we’re devastated by this news,” Smith said.

Smith says Johnathan Boley was found with his father’s dog, Buck. He was last seen leaving his father, Jameson Boley’s, home with the dog on New Year’s Eve.

The search included hundreds of volunteers coming from all over Alabama. Police say it was made extremely difficult by explosive devices found in Jameson Boley’s home.

Body of 4-year-old Johnathan Boley found days after going missing in Walker County

“We had to back out of the house due to some explosives, materials inside the house that that made it dangerous for law enforcement to continue a search of the residence,” Smith said. “Neighbors have identified that there’s been a lot of explosions in the neighborhood prior to us being here.”

Jameson Boley has been arrested and charged with unlawful manufacturing and chemical endangerment of a child. As of now, police say his current charges are not related to Jonathan’s death.

“Johnathan was an adventurous boy, and he loved the outdoors,” Smith said. “I ask you to be respectful to the family.”

That family includes Johnathan’s aunt, Caitlyn Gray. Gray lovingly called him “John John,” and she described him as an adventurous and loving child.

“He is the funniest and sweetest and craziest little boy,” Gray said. “Like I said, he’s not much older than my daughter. And they when they play together so well. And he’s our boy. You know, him and his brother? Both. All boy. And he is so loving and everybody loves him.”

Smith said he will be providing another update soon. CBS 42 was told investigators are still working.