Walker County Judge Finds Probable Cause in Boley Case
The father of 4-year-old Johnathan "John-John" Boley, who was found dead after wandering into the woods looking for his dog, has been bound over to a grand jury. A Walker County judge found probable cause for charges of chemical endangerment and manufacturing an explosive device.
Boley appeared in court today to answer to the charges that have nothing to do with the boy's death on New Year's Eve. A bond hearing is set for next Tuesday.
During the massive search for John-John, volunteers found what they believed to be explosives in the elder Boley's home. A search by authorities discovered what was believed to be a pipe bomb. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) bomb squad was called to the property.
Walker County Sheriff’s Sergeant Brandon Pugh told the court investigators located what was believed to be an improvised explosive device inside the home. He also testified that sulfur was found inside the residence and sulfuric acid was located in the refrigerator.
Pugh said after the bomb squad secured the scene; deputies conducted a search of the home with a warrant. That is when they found a white substance on a dresser in the master bedroom that was later tested and determined to be methamphetamine.
Multiple firearms and magazines were also located in the master bedroom and were not secured, making them easily accessible to John-John and his brother inside the home.
The boy's body was discovered more than 48 hours after the search began by a volunteer at a nearby body of water with the dog alive next to it.
An autopsy ruled out trauma or physical assault in the child's death, which is still under investigation.
Boley will remain in jail at least until the bond hearing.
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