Community Shaken as Investigation Into the Slaying of Patrick Slade Boothe Expands Across Multiple Counties

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - February 2026 - What began as a missing‑person alert in late January has now become one of the most far‑reaching homicide investigations Northeast Alabama has seen in years. Patrick Slade Boothe, 51, was found dead on February 4 after an intensive, multi‑agency search that spanned several counties and involved state and federal resources. Authorities have confirmed the case is being investigated as a homicide, and multiple individuals believed to be connected to Boothe's death are already in custody.

From Missing Person to Major Investigation

Boothe was last seen on January 23, leaving the area of Parker Place SW in Jacksonville. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued a missing‑person bulletin noting he might be traveling in a white 2007 Lexus GX with gold wheels, bearing Alabama tag 11C1D49. For days, family members, friends, and volunteers searched for any sign of him while law enforcement agencies widened their efforts.

The case escalated quickly. Within days, the search grew to include aviation units, specialized tracking teams, and digital forensics support. The scale of the operation signaled that investigators believed Boothe's disappearance involved circumstances beyond a routine missing‑person case.

Boothe Found Deceased on February 4

Jacksonville Police confirmed that Boothe's body was located on February 4. Officials have not released the location where he was found, the condition in which he was discovered, or the circumstances that led investigators to the site. They have emphasized that withholding details is necessary to protect the integrity of the case.

Police Chief Marcus Wood stated that multiple individuals connected to Boothe's death are already in custody, though no names or charges have been released. Authorities have not said whether additional arrests are expected.

A Multi‑Agency Effort

The investigation has drawn in an unusually large coalition of law enforcement agencies, reflecting both the complexity and seriousness of the case. Agencies assisting include:

- Jacksonville Police Department

- Oxford Police Department & Aviation Unit

- East Metro Area Crime Center

- Calhoun/Cleburne Violent Crimes Task Force

- Calhoun County Sheriff's Office

- Talladega County Sheriff's Office & Drug Task Force

- Pell City Police Department

- St. Clair County Sheriff's Office

- Alabama Game & Fish Division

- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)

- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

This level of coordination is rare for a local homicide case and suggests investigators are working across multiple jurisdictions, possibly involving several locations, vehicles, or individuals.

Authorities Tight‑Lipped as Case Develops

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly stressed that the investigation is active and ongoing. They have declined to release:

- The cause of death

- The location where Boothe was found

- Identities of suspects

- A timeline of events between January 23 and February 4

- Any potential motive

Investigators say releasing details prematurely could compromise evidence, witness statements, or prosecutorial strategy.

"We understand the community wants answers," one official said, "but our priority is building a case that leads to justice."

Community Response

Boothe's disappearance and death have deeply affected residents across Calhoun, Talladega, and St. Clair counties. Many followed the search closely, shared information online, and offered support to the family. The news of his death brought an outpouring of condolences and calls for accountability.

Local leaders have urged patience as investigators work through what appears to be a complex and sensitive case.

What Comes Next

With suspects already in custody, the next major development will likely be the public release of charges or court filings. Those documents typically outline the basic narrative of what investigators believe happened, though full details may not emerge until later stages of the legal process.

For now, authorities continue to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and coordinate across agencies. They have asked anyone with information about Boothe's movements, associates, or vehicle between January 23 and February 4 to contact the Jacksonville Police Department.

A Family and Community Seeking Answers

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on securing justice for Patrick Slade Boothe and providing clarity to a community left with more questions than answers. The case has already drawn significant attention, and its developments will likely continue to ripple across the region in the weeks ahead.