Mom Pleaded for Help When Son Went Missing. Now He’s Been Found in Shallow Grave — and She’s Facing Charges

A mother in Kentucky is facing several criminal charges after her 10-year-old son, Jayden Spicer, was found dead in a shallow grave almost a week after he went missing.

Jayden disappeared on August 6 in Breathitt County, Kentucky, which led to a large search effort, the Kentucky State Police said.

On August 12, police discovered his body in a wooded area. His mother, 33-year-old Felicia A. Gross, was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter and other crimes.

Earlier, Gross had publicly asked for help to find Jayden. In a handwritten note shared with local media, she wrote, “We want him safe at home. Please, if anybody sees my son Jayden Spicer, report it to the police. We love him very much. Please do the right thing. Call the police. Please pray for us.”

Family members also joined the search. Jayden’s aunt, Samantha Brunty, started a GoFundMe to offer a cash reward for information that could help find him. The fundraiser was closed after Jayden’s body was found.

Police say Gross admitted to giving Jayden sleeping pills and then burying him in a plastic container. She reportedly told investigators she believed he died because of the medication and also confessed to “coaching” his siblings before their police interviews.

Gross is now facing charges including manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and falsely reporting a crime.