Breathitt County, Kentucky — The tragic disappearance of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer has ended in heartbreak after authorities confirmed the discovery of his body in a shallow grave. Jayden’s mother, Felicia Gross (formerly known as Felicia Spicer), has been charged with manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and falsely reporting the incident.

Jayden Spicer was reported missing on Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, after being last seen at his mother’s home on Panbowl Branch Road in Jackson, Kentucky. The boy was last seen around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5. The news of his disappearance sparked an urgent and large-scale search effort by the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Breathitt County Emergency Management, and various rescue crews.

The search, which spanned a 20-mile radius, involved drones, ATVs, sonar equipment, and extensive ground searches in the rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding the area, which also included nearby waterways such as Panbowl Lake. Despite the best efforts of search teams, Jayden’s body was tragically discovered in a shallow grave, ending days of uncertainty for his family and the community.

What’s Happening Now:
On the evening of August 13, authorities confirmed that Felicia Gross, Jayden’s mother, had confessed to her involvement in her son’s death. She was arrested and charged with manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and falsely reporting the incident to authorities. Felicia Gross is currently in custody at the Kentucky River Regional Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.

KSP has sent Jayden’s body to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy. As of now, the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, though authorities are likely to reveal more details after the autopsy results are finalized.

A statement from KSP indicated that while the case remains under investigation, the suspect’s confession has led to the arrest of Gross, and they are now focused on gathering additional evidence related to the circumstances surrounding Jayden’s death.

Search Efforts and the Discovery of Jayden’s Body:
The search for Jayden began immediately after his family reported him missing on August 6. The area surrounding Panbowl Branch Road presented significant challenges for search teams due to its rough terrain, dense woods, and proximity to water bodies like Panbowl Lake. Authorities worked tirelessly to find Jayden, using every available resource, including drones, K9 units, and volunteers from the local community.

During the search, KSP Trooper Gayheart stated, “In this situation, we want to keep hope alive, but we are racing against the clock. Unfortunately, the more time someone spends exposed to the elements, the chances of finding them safely diminish.” Despite this, community members remained hopeful, offering their assistance by reviewing home surveillance footage, checking wooded areas, and alerting authorities to anything suspicious.

Despite these efforts, Jayden’s body was discovered in a shallow grave after days of searching. The discovery was a devastating blow to the community, which had hoped for a different outcome. Local residents, including neighbors like Mildred Shannon, expressed their concern over the dangers posed by the rugged terrain: “There are a lot of coyotes, you’ve got snakes at night. A child, even a young adult, probably isn’t safe out in the woods. Everybody cares—you wouldn’t want your son or grandson lost out there.”

Felicia Gross’s Involvement and Confession:
As the search efforts unfolded, unconfirmed reports circulated suggesting that Felicia Gross may have been involved in her son’s death. The community was left in shock as authorities confirmed that Felicia Gross had indeed confessed to the killing. Law enforcement did not immediately release the details of the confession, but Gross has been charged with several serious offenses, including manslaughter and abuse of a corpse.

Felicia Gross had a previous history of child endangerment charges, which had raised concerns among local authorities prior to the tragedy. The possibility that a mother could be responsible for such an act was unimaginable for many in the community, and the details of what led to the shooting remain under investigation.

At the time of Jayden’s disappearance, Gross had made public pleas for help, and neighbors expressed their sympathy for her family. Now, authorities are piecing together the events leading to the boy’s tragic death. Felicia Gross is expected to face a court hearing in the coming days, and the legal process will determine the next steps in her prosecution.

Motive for the Shooting:
While the precise motive for Jayden’s death is still being investigated, law enforcement officials have confirmed that the situation stemmed from a domestic dispute. The circumstances surrounding the argument or incident that led to Jayden’s death remain unclear, and KSP is working to understand the full context. Investigators will likely look into whether any prior incidents or conflicts between Jayden and his mother or other family members contributed to the tragic outcome.

The authorities have stated that they are looking into all possible factors that could have led to the incident, including family dynamics, prior tensions, and Gross’s mental state at the time of the event. The investigation will likely explore whether there was a history of abuse or neglect, and whether Jayden’s tragic death was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern.

Impact on the Community:
The discovery of Jayden Spicer’s body and the subsequent arrest of his mother, Felicia Gross, has left the Jackson and Breathitt County communities in shock. Both Jayden and his mother were well-known in the area, and the news of this tragedy has reverberated throughout the region. Community members have been left to grapple with the incomprehensible loss of a young life, and the fact that the tragedy was caused by someone so close to him has only amplified the grief.

Jayden was described as a 10-year-old white male, approximately 5’1″ tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajama pants and a matching shirt. Loved ones described him as an energetic and loving child who had a bright future ahead of him. His death has created a deep sense of loss for those who knew him, and local churches and organizations have already begun offering support to Jayden’s family, as well as counseling for anyone in the community affected by the tragedy.

As the investigation continues, many in the community are reflecting on the violence and struggles that can sometimes lie hidden within families. Advocacy groups and social services are likely to increase their focus on family dynamics and mental health, especially in light of the domestic nature of this incident.

What’s Next for the Investigation:
The investigation into Jayden Spicer’s death will continue in the coming days. Authorities will be reviewing the circumstances surrounding the domestic dispute, including interviewing family members, neighbors, and anyone who may have witnessed events leading up to the tragic incident. Investigators will also be reviewing any available evidence, including communication between Jayden’s mother and other individuals involved in the incident.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) and other law enforcement agencies will work to piece together the details of Jayden’s final days, as they continue to search for answers. Felicia Gross faces serious charges, and her trial will likely garner attention as the investigation unfolds.

What’s Next for Jayden’s Family and Loved Ones:
In the wake of this tragedy, Jayden’s family and friends are left to process the heartbreaking loss. His mother’s involvement in his death is a painful reality for those who knew the family. Local residents have expressed their shock and sorrow over the loss of such a young life and have rallied around Jayden’s surviving relatives to offer emotional and practical support.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be made in the coming days, with community members coming together to honor Jayden’s life. The family’s grief will likely be compounded by the knowledge that his death was caused by someone so close to him, and mental health professionals will be providing counseling and grief support to help them cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Closing:
The death of Jayden Spicer has left an indelible mark on the Breathitt County community. As the investigation continues, the family, friends, and the community at large will continue to search for answers. The tragic loss of a young child has once again underscored the importance of mental health support, the need for resources to help families in crisis, and the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on everyone involved.

We extend our deepest condolences to Jayden’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Authorities are continuing their investigation and are committed to bringing clarity and justice to the situation. The case will be a significant one for the community, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.