UPDATE: Authorities announced in a press conference on Friday (January 2) morning that they found the remains of four-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley, who had been missing since Wednesday. His remains were discovered about two miles from his home.

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Authorities in Alabama are conducting a search for four-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley, who has been missing since Wednesday morning (December 31). The boy was last seen at 11:30 a.m. near Highway 195 in Jasper, a rural area located about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Johnathan is believed to be in danger.

Johnathan was visiting his father, Jameson Kyle Boley, during an allotted five-day visitation period when he disappeared. His father has since been arrested on charges unrelated to the boy's disappearance. Explosive devices were discovered on his property, prompting his arrest. The FBI later determined that the devices were not explosives, but the investigation into the matter is ongoing. Despite the arrest, authorities do not suspect the father of any wrongdoing related to his son’s disappearance.

Johnathan was last seen wearing a yellow Mickey Mouse shirt, black pants, and Paw Patrol shoes. He was reportedly with his six-year-old brother and their dog at the time of his disappearance. The search has been extensive, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, drones with thermal imaging, and aviation units. However, there have been no signs of the boy or the family dog in the woods.

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith noted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The fact that we haven’t found the child is concerning." The search efforts have been complicated by the discovery of explosives in the area, which temporarily halted the search. Despite these challenges, the community and law enforcement continue to search for Johnathan, with volunteer searchers gathering at Cornerstone Assembly of God.

Johnathan's mother, Angel Boley, who lives in Florida, has returned to Alabama following her son's disappearance. The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida has asked for prayers for Johnathan's safe return and for strength for his family. A prayer service is scheduled for Thursday at St. Thomas Chapel in Florida.

Anyone with information about Johnathan's whereabouts is urged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office at 205-384-7218 or call 911.

Michael Berry