Breathitt County, Kentucky — The search for 10-year-old Jayden Spicer has tragically come to a heartbreaking end. Authorities have confirmed that Jayden’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave near Canoe Road in Breathitt County. The child’s mother, Felicia Gross, 33, has been arrested and charged in connection with his death.

The boy was reported missing by his mother on August 6, 2025, when Gross claimed that Jayden had disappeared overnight. Gross told Kentucky State Police (KSP) that she last saw him wearing blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas. Despite the widespread search for the child, involving law enforcement, volunteers, and community members, Jayden’s body was not found until August 12, when investigators uncovered the remains in a tote box buried in the woods.

The arrest citation reveals new and chilling details about the circumstances surrounding Jayden’s death. Felicia Gross reportedly told authorities that she had given Jayden sleeping medication, which led to what she described as a “medical emergency.” According to Gross, she believed that her son had passed away from the effects of the medication. In a disturbing turn of events, Gross admitted to burying Jayden’s body in a secluded wooded area on Canoe Road, located near the mouth of Joe Little Fork.

What Happened During the Search and Investigation:
After Gross reported her son missing on August 6, Kentucky State Police initiated an extensive search for the boy, which lasted for several days. Investigators combed through wooded areas, checked nearby waterways, and worked with community members who were desperate to help find the child. The search grew increasingly urgent as the days passed and Jayden’s whereabouts remained unknown.

KSP troopers interviewed Gross’s children at a local daycare in Hazard, Kentucky, where they learned that Felicia Gross had allegedly coached her children on what to say about Jayden’s disappearance. This raised suspicions among investigators, prompting them to question Gross further.

On August 12, Felicia Gross was interviewed at the Jackson Police Department. During this interview, she admitted to giving Jayden a sleeping medication, which led to the boy’s “medical emergency.” According to Gross’s account, she believed that Jayden had died as a result of the medication. Following this, Gross took Jayden’s body to the wooded area on Canoe Road, where she buried him in a shallow grave inside a tote box.

What’s Happening Now:
Following Gross’s confession, Kentucky State Police recovered Jayden’s remains from the grave on Canoe Road. The remains were sent to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary reports have not yet been released, but the circumstances of Jayden’s death suggest foul play.

Felicia Gross was arrested and charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. She is currently in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing to investigate the details of the incident to determine if additional charges will be filed.

What’s Next for the Investigation:
The investigation into Jayden Spicer’s death is ongoing. Investigators are working to verify all the details provided by Gross during her interview. The Kentucky State Police will conduct a thorough review of the autopsy results, including determining if the sleeping medication caused Jayden’s death or if other factors were involved.

Police are also looking into the possibility of other forms of abuse or neglect that might have contributed to the boy’s tragic death. Investigators will be reviewing Gross’s history with Child Protective Services and any previous interactions with law enforcement.

Given the troubling nature of the case, there may be further inquiries into the family’s background, including the relationship between Felicia Gross and her children, as well as any potential warning signs of previous incidents of harm or neglect.

The community, which had rallied around the search for Jayden, has been left devastated by the discovery of his remains and the arrest of his mother. Many residents are still struggling to comprehend how a mother could be responsible for such a tragic event.

What’s Next for Jayden’s Family and the Community:
The grief from Jayden’s death is far-reaching. Local community members, including neighbors, friends, and extended family, have expressed shock and sorrow at the news. Jayden’s death is especially tragic given that he was reported missing just days ago, and many had hoped for a different outcome. His mother’s involvement in his death has only compounded the emotional trauma for those who knew him.

Jayden’s family is understandably devastated, and support services are likely to be offered to help them process the loss. Local counseling services, grief support groups, and community-based organizations are expected to provide assistance during this difficult time.

As the investigation continues, the Breathitt County community remains united in their mourning, with many coming together to honor Jayden’s memory. Memorials, vigils, and fundraising campaigns may be organized in the coming weeks to support Jayden’s surviving family members and provide them with the resources they need to cope with the loss.

What’s Next for the Juvenile Justice System and Felicia Gross:
The arrest of Felicia Gross and the investigation into Jayden Spicer’s death have raised important questions about the role of the juvenile justice system and the handling of cases involving child deaths at the hands of their parents. Gross, 33, is expected to face trial for her involvement in her son’s death, and the case will likely raise discussions about how the justice system addresses maternal responsibility and the mental health of offenders.

Given that the murder of a child by their own parent is one of the most difficult cases for the justice system to navigate, many legal experts are calling for more resources to support families facing such crises. The system may need to be adjusted to better recognize signs of distress, mental illness, and the potential for violence within family settings.

What’s Next for Kentucky’s Children’s Services:
In light of Jayden Spicer’s tragic death, there is likely to be increased scrutiny on Kentucky’s child welfare programs. Advocates for children’s services may call for enhanced efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as better resources to identify at-risk families before violence occurs. Community leaders and organizations are likely to push for more comprehensive outreach programs to ensure that children like Jayden receive the protection and care they deserve.

Closing:
The death of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer has shocked the community and devastated his family. Felicia Gross, Jayden’s mother, has been arrested and charged with the murder of her son, leaving the community to come to terms with this incomprehensible act of violence.

As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on gathering the necessary evidence to hold Gross accountable for her actions and ensure that Jayden’s tragic death does not go without justice. The case has also sparked conversations about child welfare, the responsibilities of parents, and the need for greater resources to address mental health and family violence.

Our thoughts remain with Jayden’s family and loved ones as they navigate this heart-wrenching tragedy. We extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this devastating loss.