The disappearance and death of 4-year-old Johnathan Boley in Walker County has left investigators and the community searching for answers. According to authorities, Johnathan went missing on Dec. 31 after reportedly following the family dog, Buck, into the woods. He was found dead nearly two days later, about two miles from his father’s home where he was last seen, with Buck still alive by his side.

Joseph Scott Morgan, a distinguished scholar of forensic investigations at JSU, provided insight into the challenges faced by investigators. “What they did was right on the money, you know to try and track him down and find him because time is of the essence,” Morgan said.

Morgan suggested that the presence of Buck could have influenced Johnathan’s movements. “You have to factor in that he’s got his pup with him, and the pup is leading the way,” he said. “This is his buddy you know, and he is traveling with him, there is a familiarity with him and the dog is not necessarily going to lead him back home.”

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith reported that the search involved multiple agencies, volunteers, K-9s, drones, and helicopters with thermal imaging. Despite these efforts, Morgan speculated on the challenges of locating Johnathan, questioning the density of the forest and meteorological conditions.

Watch the full interview with the forensic expert:

An autopsy on Johnathan ruled out trauma or assault, but the cause of death remains undetermined. “We can exclude trauma at this point, but the list is still quite extensive and one of the things for me as a former death investigator and forensic science professor you know I want to know what other kind of physiological mechanisms were in play here,” said Morgan.

Sheriff Smith said Monday the investigation was further complicated by dangerous materials found at the father’s home, including explosives.