***UPDATE***
JACKSON, Ky (August 12, 2025) – Earlier today, detectives with Kentucky State Police, Post 13 in Hazard, received new information related to the disappearance of 10-year-old Jaden Spicer. As a result, investigators identified a new area to search in a heavily wooded area along Canoe Road in the Jackson community of Breathitt County.
Detectives responded to the location and initiated a search. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 3:00 P.M., the remains of Jaden Spicer were discovered buried at the scene. The Breathitt County Coroner’s Office responded and pronounced the child deceased. The remains will be transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
Jaden’s mother, Felicia A. Gross, 33, of Jackson, was taken into custody and transported to the Kentucky River Regional Jail. She is charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Falsely Reporting an Incident. This investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Detective Nathan Roark.
This incident has now transitioned from a missing person investigation into an active and ongoing criminal investigation. With that, we must advise that specific details regarding this investigation cannot be released at this time. It is our top priority to protect the integrity of this investigation to seek justice for Jaden.
“I would like to take a moment to thank the many different organizations that assisted in the search efforts for Jaden. All of the volunteers that spent numerous hours and days trying to locate him. Thank you to every person that sent tips or even shared a social media post. Thank you for the many prayers that were prayed, and we ask that you continue to pray for a community that grieves during this tragic loss.” – Tpr. Matt Gayheart.
Previous News Release below:
JACKSON, KY (August 8, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police Post 13, Hazard, is continuing the investigation into the disappearance of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer. Organized search efforts have thoroughly searched all areas of priority and continue to exhaust all resources at their disposal.
Kentucky State Police have utilized numerous agency and partnership resources available, including aircraft, drone, K-9, Sonar, Fleer, and “boots on the ground” search efforts. At this time KSP will broaden its investigation and explore other areas in an effort to locate Jayden.
We are asking the public to remain alert and report any information on the whereabouts of Jayden Spicer to Kentucky State Police, Post 13 in Hazard. We can be reached at 606-435-6069. Citizens can also provide information be using the Tip Line on the Kentucky State Police website, www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/tip.
Original News Release below:
Jackson, Ky (August 6, 2025) – At approximately 9:23 A.M. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 13 in Hazard received a 911 call regarding a missing juvenile in the Panbowl Branch Road area in the Jackson community in Breathitt County.
KSP Troopers and local search and rescue teams immediately responded to the scene and initiated a search of the surrounding area. Preliminary investigation indicates that 10-year-old Jayden Spicer is believed to have left his residence during the overnight hours or early morning.
Jayden is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, with a slim build, blonde hair, and blue eyes. He was last seen around 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his home on Panbowl Branch Road. He was last seen wearing blue “Sonic the Hedgehog” pajama pants and a matching shirt.
Anyone with information regarding Jayden Spicer’s whereabouts is urged to contact Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard at 606-435-6069. This investigation is ongoing and is being led by Detective Nathan Roark.
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