**A Community Shattered
In the quiet hills of Breathitt County, Kentucky, a tragedy has unfolded that has left an entire community grieving and searching for answers. Ten-year-old Jayden Spicer, a bright and energetic boy known for his love of adventure and his fear of bugs and the dark, was reported missing on August 5. What began as a desperate search ended in heartbreak when his body was discovered buried in a shallow grave off Canoe Road in Jackson on August 12.
**The Discovery
Kentucky State Police, acting on newly received information, located Jayden’s remains in a heavily 3 p.m. The terrain was rugged, the search exhaustive. Drones, K9 units, sonar technology, and dozens of volunteers combed the dense forest for nearly a week. The boy was last seen wearing blue “Sonic the Hedgehog” pajamas, a detail that haunted searchers as they scoured the landscape.
⚖️ **The Arrest**
Shortly after the discovery, Jayden’s mother, 33-year-old Felicia Gross, was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and falsely reporting an incident. She is currently being held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail, awaiting arraignment. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full details of the evidence that led to her arrest, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
️ **A Search Fueled by Hope
The search for Jayden was a massive effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies and countless volunteers. Trooper Matt Gayheart expressed deep gratitude to everyone who participated: “Thank you for the tips, the social media shares, and the prayers. We ask everyone to keep praying for our community as we grieve this loss.”
**Family and Community in Mourning**
Jayden’s aunts, Chyy Salyers and Samantha Bunty, have voiced concerns about inconsistencies in the case. “There’s some stuff that just doesn’t add up,” said Salyers. Bunty remembered her nephew as “a good boy, very sweet, loving, and full of energy.” The community has responded with vigils, prayer circles, and an outpouring of support on social media, demanding justice and mourning the loss of a child who touched many lives.
**What Comes Next**
Jayden’s body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy, which may provide crucial insights into the cause of death. Investigators continue to gather evidence, and additional charges may follow. For now, Breathitt County remains in mourning, united in grief and determined to see justice served.
️ **A Final Farewell**
Miranda King of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office offered a poignant message: “Jayden is now in good hands, and we are going to take care of him.” As the investigation unfolds, the community holds onto memories of a boy whose life was cut tragically short—and the hope that truth and justice will prevail.
