India, Jan. 3 -- Authorities in Walker County have confirmed the tragic outcome of the search for 4-year-old Johnathan Boley, who disappeared earlier this week. Sheriff Nick Smith said Friday morning that the child's remains were discovered a few miles from his Jasper home.

"Like so many of you across our community, we're devastated by this news," Smith said. "Johnathan was an adventurous boy and loved the outdoors." He added that the investigation remains active and declined to share additional details.

The discovery came two days after Johnathan and his dog, Buck, were reported missing from the property along Hwy. 195. They were last seen heading into nearby woods late Wednesday morning. When deputies located the boy's body, Buck was ...