10-Year-Old Jayden Spicer Found Dead a Week After Disappearance — Mother Arrested
What began as a desperate community search for a missing child has ended in devastation — and criminal charges.
Authorities confirmed that 10-year-old Jayden Spicer, who vanished from his Kentucky home on the night of August 6, was found dead nearly a week later.
Discovery in a Remote Area
On Tuesday, August 12, Kentucky State Police troopers located Jayden’s body in a shallow grave off Canoe Road, a secluded area roughly 19 miles from his home on Panbowl Branch Road.
He had last been seen wearing blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas before his disappearance was reported. The discovery marked the tragic conclusion to a search that had gripped local residents and drawn in multiple law enforcement agencies.
Mother at the Center of the Case
Police confirmed that Jayden’s mother, 33-year-old Felicia Gross, told investigators her son had disappeared overnight. However, as the investigation unfolded, inconsistencies raised suspicion. Gross has since been arrested in connection with the case, though officials have not yet released full details of the charges.
From Search to Criminal Investigation
Initially treated as a missing-persons case, the situation escalated quickly once evidence pointed toward foul play. Dozens of volunteers had scoured the area for days, holding onto hope that Jayden would be found alive. That hope was shattered with Tuesday’s grim discovery.
Community in Mourning
Neighbors and community members who joined in the search have expressed shock and grief. Vigils are already being planned to honor Jayden’s memory, with many describing him as a bright, energetic boy who loved video games and made friends easily.
Authorities have stated that the investigation remains active, with more details expected as forensic reports and court proceedings move forward.
For now, the focus has shifted from finding a missing child to seeking justice for one whose life was tragically cut short.