Nearly a week after Felicia Gross reported her son, Jayden Spicer, missing, investigators have discovered his body. Hargis Epperson, the coroner for Breathitt County, Kentucky, confirmed investigators found a “young person’s” remains on August 12, 2025. Initially, authorities did not release the child’s identity pending an autopsy, but the family confirmed his death on social media.
During a Tuesday evening media conference, Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart identified Jayden as the victim and his mother as the suspected killer. Gross called police on August 6 to report Jayden missing, LEX 18 reported. A neighbor told the news outlet the mother showed up at his home, frantic, around 9 a.m., looking for help.
“She was crying and asked if she could use my phone. I gave it to her, and she called 911, telling them, ‘My child is missing,’” he recalled.
The neighbor added that Gross told him she last saw Jayden before bed the night before. “She also explained to me that she went to bed with her husband around nine and then they woke up in the morning, went to the place that her kid was sleeping and they found out the kid was not there,” the neighbor told LEX 18.
According to the charges, it appears Gross may not have been telling the truth. Gayheart said investigators received a tip and arrived on the scene near Canoe Road. They found the child’s body buried at the location about 3 p.m. Authorities took Jayden’s body to Frankfurt for an autopsy. Gayheart said police arrested Gross, 33, a short time later.
Police took Gross to Kentucky River Regional Jail. She faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and falsely reporting an incident.
Family and friends grieved the loss of Jayden on social media. “I have no words with the amount of support, my family and I have had. We appreciate each and everyone, Thank you!” Samantha Brunty posted on Facebook.
Dart N Chyy Combs used Facebook to clear up misinformation about Samantha Brunty, Jayden’s former caregiver.
“There are several RUMORS about how Jayden ended up in Felicia’s care. My SISTER, Samantha, not Felicia, is already going through HELL without everyones bull—-!!!! Jayden was living in her home with Mamaw. Once Mamaw passed, Felicia automatically gained custody back. CPS has been involved the entire time!!!! They cleared her to have Jayden in her home,” Combs explained in the post.
“Samantha did NOT just drop Jayden off to her. Samantha knows more about Jayden than ANYONE and loves him more than anyone!!! Before you run your mouth, get your s— straight!!!! Our little family is already going thru hell.”
Kentucky Commonwealth’s Attorney Miranda King shared condolences during the news conference.
“I think I speak for the entire community when I say we are devastated and collectively broken over this,” King said. “I’d like to take a moment to extend my condolences to the people who loved and cared about Jayden. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are certainly grateful we were able to bring him out of the woods today.”
Gayheart confirmed the investigation remains active and is now a criminal case.
