Crime
Missing 10-year-old Jayden Spicer found dead, mother confessed to killing him
BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. — Authorities have confirmed the tragic discovery of the body of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer, bringing a heartbreaking end to the days-long search in Jackson, Kentucky.
Jayden body was recovered in a shallow grave.
Kentucky State Police troopers confirmed at a press conference that Jayden Spicer’s mom, Felicia Gross, was charged with manslaughter, abuse of corpse, tampering with evidence and falsely reporting.
Gross was lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail.
KSP confirmed that the body was sent to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
Jayden was reported missing on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, after he was last seen at his mother’s residence on Panbowl Branch Road around 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) said they received the call at 9:23 a.m. Wednesday, prompting an immediate large-scale search effort involving KSP, Breathitt County Emergency Management, and multiple rescue crews. Teams utilized drones, ATVs, sonar equipment, and extensive ground searches over a 20-mile radius, with plans to expand operations if necessary.
The search was complicated by the region’s rugged, mountainous terrain and the proximity to waterways, including Panbowl Lake. “In this situation, we want to keep hope alive, but we are racing against the clock,” Trooper Gayheart stated during the search.
“Unfortunately, the more time someone spends exposed to the elements, the chances of finding them safely diminish.”
Jayden’s family had issued a public plea for information, urging anyone with tips to contact authorities.
Locals also joined the effort, reviewing home surveillance footage and checking surrounding wooded areas, which are known for hazards such as coyotes and snakes.
Sources within the community have made unconfirmed claims that Jayden’s mother, Felicia Spicer—also known as Felicia Gross—may have confessed to involvement in his death.
While these statements have circulated widely online, law enforcement has not yet confirmed this information. Public records indicate that Felicia Spicer has a prior arrest for child endangerment.
Neighbors expressed deep concern over the boy’s disappearance and the dangers posed by the environment. “There are a lot of coyotes, you’ve got snakes at night,” said resident Mildred Shannon. “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.”
Jayden was described as a white male, approximately 5’1” tall with a slim build, blonde hair, and blue eyes. At the time he went missing, he was wearing blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajama pants and a matching shirt.
Authorities are expected to release further details regarding the discovery of Jayden’s body and the ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Kentucky State Police Post 13 at 606-435-6069.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.