Jackson, KY – A missing 10-year-old boy has been found dead, and his mother, Felicia Gross, is now behind bars facing multiple charges, including manslaughter and abuse of a corpse, according to Kentucky State Police.
The Search for Jayden Spicer
On August 6, Jayden Spicer, 10, was reported missing from Jackson, Kentucky, a small town approximately 100 miles southeast of Lexington. Gross, 33, claimed that her son had gone to bed the night before and was missing by the following morning. The search for Jayden spanned several days, during which law enforcement devoted significant resources to locating him.
The Kentucky State Police shared detailed descriptions of the child to aid in the search: he was wearing blue “Sonic the Hedgehog” pajamas, described as 5’1″, with blonde hair and blue eyes.
During a press conference, Trooper Matt Gayheart assured the community that resources would continue to be utilized until they were fully exhausted. However, despite extensive efforts, the case took a dark turn when Gross was questioned by law enforcement.
Mother’s Confession Leads to Discovery
In a Mirandized interview at the Jackson Police Department, Gross confessed to her role in her son’s death. She told investigators that she had given Jayden a type of sleeping medication, which led to a medical emergency and ultimately, she believed, his death. Gross further explained that she transported Jayden’s body to a wooded area near Canoe Road, where his remains were found buried in a plastic tote.
The remains were uncovered on August 9, roughly 19 miles southwest of the family’s home. The discovery was made possible due to Gross’s confession, and the remains were found after a search warrant was executed on the property.
Alleged Coercion of Children
Law enforcement also claims that Gross had instructed her other children to lie about what happened to their brother. Two siblings were interviewed at a child advocacy center, and investigators allege that Gross coached them on what to say during the interviews. The mother even wrote a note, pleading for public help in finding Jayden while, at the same time, concealing the truth.
Family and Community Shocked
Jayden’s aunts voiced their disbelief over the events. They described him as a “good boy” who was very active and full of energy. One aunt expressed her concern, stating that it seemed impossible for Jayden to have gone into the hills on his own, given his fear of insects and the dark.
Ongoing Investigation and Autopsy
Felicia Gross is currently being held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail. An autopsy will be performed to determine Jayden’s exact cause of death. The case remains under investigation, and additional charges could follow.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Miranda King expressed her gratitude for the discovery, stating, “While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we’re grateful we were able to bring him out of the woods today.”
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