TALLADEGA, AL — Two individuals are facing serious charges in Talladega County in connection with the death of a Jacksonville man who was reported missing in January.
Patrick Slade Boothe, 51, of Jacksonville, was initially reported missing on January 23, 2026, after he was last seen leaving the Parker Place SW area. Authorities said at the time that he had not returned and may have been traveling in a white 2007 Lexus GX with gold-colored wheels.
Following an extensive, multi-agency search effort, Boothe’s body was located on Thursday in Talladega County. While an official cause of death has not been publicly released, investigators have outlined allegations connected to the case.
According to Talladega County authorities, 34-year-old Jesse Austin Heald of Talladega has been charged with capital murder and first-degree robbery. Court information indicates the capital murder charge stems from allegations that Boothe was killed while inside a vehicle, with investigators alleging Heald discharged a firearm into the vehicle.
A second suspect, 35-year-old Tiffani Renee Nichol, has been charged with murder and first-degree robbery. Jail records show Nichol was booked February 6, 2026, by the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office and is being held on a $500,000 secured bond.
Heald was also booked February 6 by the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office. Jail records list charges of capital murder and first-degree robbery. Bond information for Heald had not been listed in the records available at the time of publication.
Both defendants appeared Friday before Talladega County Circuit Judge Chad Woodruff for preliminary court proceedings. Additional hearings are expected in March, when a judge will determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the cases to be presented to a grand jury.
Earlier in the investigation, the Jacksonville Police Department confirmed Boothe had been found deceased and asked for prayers and privacy for his family. Officials also noted that law enforcement had been in contact with family members as the case developed.
Numerous agencies assisted in the search and investigation, including the Jacksonville Police Department, Oxford Police Department and Aviation Unit, the Calhoun/Cleburne Violent Crimes Task Force, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Talladega County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Task Force, Pell City Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Game and Fish Division, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the FBI.
The investigation remains ongoing.
