The body of four-year-old Jonathan Everett Boley, known as “John-John,” was found on January 2 in wooded land near Jasper, Alabama, three days after he went missing on New Year’s Eve. He had last been seen playing outside with the family dog, Buck.
After an extensive search involving law enforcement, volunteers, K-9 units, and aerial teams, Jonathan was discovered about two miles from his father’s home, partially submerged in water. Buck was found alive and staying beside him.
A preliminary coroner’s report found no signs of trauma, and the official cause of death is still pending. Authorities said no Amber Alert was issued because there was no evidence of abduction.
Jonathan’s father, Jameson Kyle Boley, was arrested during the search on unrelated charges involving alleged possession of materials to manufacture a destructive device. Officials stressed there is no evidence of foul play in the child’s death and that the charges are not connected to the case.
Jonathan and his siblings live with their mother in Florida and were visiting their father for the holidays.