Crime
Missing Walker County 4-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley found dead
WALKER COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have confirmed a heartbreaking outcome in the search for 4-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley, bringing a tragic end to a multi-day effort that mobilized hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement personnel across Walker County.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that Johnathan, affectionately known as “John John,” was found deceased. His body was located approximately two miles from his father’s home, the area where he was last seen.
Officials also confirmed that the family’s dog, Buck, who was believed to have been with the child at the time of his disappearance, was found alive at the scene.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Johnathan’s death, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to respect the family’s privacy.
Johnathan was reported missing on December 31 after last being seen around 11:30 a.m. in the 7000 block of Highway 195 in north Walker County, between the Manchester and Thach communities.
According to Sheriff Nick Smith, initial information indicated that Johnathan and his brother were playing outside near a fence line with the family dog when the child crossed beyond the fence and did not return.
At the time he went missing, Johnathan was described as approximately four feet tall, weighing 50 pounds, and wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and Paw Patrol shoes.
The search for Johnathan entered its third day and expanded steadily, involving a massive coordinated response.
Sheriff Smith reported that on Thursday alone, 161 volunteers and 126 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies searched approximately 500 acres of land. More than 100 additional volunteers returned Friday as efforts continued.
Search teams utilized a range of resources, including:
- Ground search units
- Thermal imaging drones
- Dive teams
- Assistance from state and federal partners
Despite these efforts, authorities reported that no heat signatures or confirmed signs of the child were detected during early stages of the search.
Walker County Emergency Management Agency Director Regina Myers stated that search operations were expanded into areas not previously covered, while emphasizing that volunteers were not permitted to search near the child’s home due to safety concerns.
Sheriff Smith repeatedly urged residents throughout Walker County to assist by checking their surroundings and any available surveillance equipment.
“I need everybody in Walker County to check your Ring cameras, deer cameras, tree stands, garages, and vehicles,” Smith said during a briefing. “With Johnathan’s small size, he could fit into tight spaces. We want to make sure nothing is overlooked.”
Sheriff Smith also expressed hope early in the search that Johnathan and Buck were together, noting that the dog could have helped the child stay warm during several cold nights.
During the search, authorities confirmed that Jameson Kyle Boley, Johnathan’s father, was taken into custody on separate and unrelated charges.
Investigators discovered explosive materials at his residence, prompting the suspension of search activity in that area for safety reasons.
Authorities later confirmed that Jameson Boley now faces active warrants for:
- Unlawful Manufacturing of a Destructive Device
- Two counts of Chemical Endangerment of a Child
According to criminal complaints, the chemical endangerment charges allege that on December 31, 2025, children were exposed to methamphetamine, with one count specifically related to Johnathan Everett Boley. These are felony offenses under Alabama law.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that these charges are separate from the investigation into Johnathan’s death and do not imply any conclusions regarding what happened to the child.
Authorities reiterated that a criminal charge is an allegation, not a conviction.
The death of Johnathan Boley has left a family grieving and a community devastated. Officials acknowledged the overwhelming public response and the tireless efforts of those who searched day and night in hopes of bringing the child home safely.
Out of respect for the family, authorities and community leaders have urged the public to avoid speculation and unverified commentary as the investigation continues. State and federal agencies remain involved as officials work to determine the full circumstances surrounding Johnathan’s death.
Anyone with information, tips, or surveillance footage from along Highway 195 or nearby areas is urged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office at 205-384-7218 or call 911.
As the community mourns, many have shared messages of remembrance for a young life lost far too soon.
Rest in peace, Johnathan “John John” Everett Boley.
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Northern District responded to a reported shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility located in the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard in Linthicum, Maryland.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the scene had already been secured by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA), who had the suspected shooter in custody.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident stemmed from a dispute between two contracted security guards working inside the facility.
During the altercation, one of the guards discharged a firearm, striking the other.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joseph Keith Aman of Baltimore, Maryland. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that a third contracted security guard intervened during the incident, successfully disarming the suspect and detaining him until law enforcement arrived.
Investigators confirmed the shooting was an isolated incident and did not involve any Northrop Grumman employees.
There was no ongoing threat to the public or the facility following the incident.
Anne Arundel County Police Department Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.
Detectives conducted multiple witness interviews, while Evidence Collection Unit technicians processed the scene and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler of Pasadena, Maryland.
He has been formally charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and additional related offenses.
Northrop Grumman issued a statement acknowledging the incident, saying:
“We are aware of an isolated incident involving two contractors at one of our Baltimore-area facilities. We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they investigate the matter. The safety of our employees and contractors across all facilities remains our top priority.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Although an arrest has been made, detectives are continuing to gather information.
Anyone with knowledge related to the incident is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact the county’s tip line at 410-222-4700.
Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.