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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.