Jameson Kyle Boley, 40, was arrested and charged with two counts of felony chemical endangerment of a child and a separate felony for unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device after his 4‑year‑old son, Johnathan Everett "John John" Boley, was found dead following a Dec. 31 disappearance while visiting his father in Jasper, Alabama. Search teams discovered the child’s body on Jan. 2 about two miles from the home; an autopsy is pending. Investigators reported explosives at the residence and called in the FBI bomb squad, but officials say the weapons‑related charge is not tied to the child’s death. Boley is held on $400,000 cash‑only bond, has been appointed a public defender, and preliminary hearings are set for Jan. 20.
Father Arrested On Drug And Destructive‑Device Charges After 4‑Year‑Old Found Dead Following New Year’s Disappearance
Missing 4-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley was found dead about two miles from his father’s home; his dog was found alive nearby.
Jameson Kyle Boley, 40, of Jasper, Alabama, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after his 4‑year‑old son, Johnathan Everett "John John" Boley, was found dead following a New Year’s disappearance, according to Walker County court records and law enforcement officials.
Search, Discovery And Initial Investigation
Sheriff Nick Smith said Johnathan was reported missing on Dec. 31 after he wandered away from a rural property off Highway 195 while playing outside with the family dog. A large, multi‑day search involving hundreds of law enforcement officers, volunteers, K‑9 teams, drones and aircraft searched several square miles of rugged, wooded terrain.
Jameson Boley, 40, is charged with unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child.
Searchers located the child’s body on Jan. 2, about two miles from the home; the family dog was found alive nearby. Authorities have not released a cause of death and say an autopsy and further investigation are pending.
"This is not the outcome anyone hoped for," Sheriff Smith said. He also confirmed parts of the home search were suspended after explosives were discovered and that the FBI bomb squad was called in to secure the scene.
Charges And Allegations
Court records show Boley was arrested during the search. He faces two separate felony prosecutions: two counts of chemical endangerment of a child under Alabama law and a separate charge of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device.
The body of Johnathan Boley was found in a wooded area near his father’s Alabama home on Jan. 2, 2025.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators allege that "on or about Dec. 31, 2025," Boley, identified as a responsible person (the children’s father), knowingly, recklessly or intentionally allowed two children, including Johnathan, to be exposed to, ingest, inhale or come into contact with methamphetamine. The filings do not specify the quantity of methamphetamine allegedly present or whether the children tested positive.
The destructive‑device complaint alleges Boley possessed precursor materials with intent to unlawfully manufacture a destructive device or bacteriological weapon. Investigators say he was not authorized to possess those materials. Officials stressed the destructive‑device allegation is not believed to be related to Johnathan’s death.
Members of the Church of the Apostles and DaySpring Summer Camp in Parrish, Florida gathered for a candlelight prayer vigil for Johnathan Boley.
Court Proceedings And Conditions Of Detention
A Walker County judge ordered Boley held on cash‑only bonds totaling $400,000—$100,000 in the chemical endangerment case and $300,000 in the destructive‑device case—and noted handwritten concerns that he is a "danger to the community." Boley remains in custody and has been appointed a public defender. Preliminary hearings in both cases are scheduled for Jan. 20 at the Walker County Courthouse Annex.
Former Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead told reporters that high cash‑only bonds are consistent with serious charges and with a judge’s determination that a defendant may pose a risk to public safety.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say the investigation into Johnathan’s death remains active. Officials have asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy as investigators continue to gather evidence. Law enforcement agencies contacted for comment include the Walker County District Attorney’s Office, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the Jasper Police Department and the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office.
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