BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. — The small community of Jackson, Kentucky, is reeling in shock and grief following the tragic discovery of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer, whose body was found buried in a local cemetery by his grandmother. The heartbreaking find brings a devastating conclusion to a days-long search that had united neighbors, law enforcement, and volunteers in a desperate effort to bring him home.
Jayden was reported missing on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, after he was last seen asleep at his mother’s home on Panbowl Branch Road around 9 p.m. Tuesday. In the days that followed, search teams combed rugged terrain with drones, K-9 units, sonar equipment, and boots on the ground, covering abandoned buildings, wooded areas, and waterways.
The case has taken an even more chilling turn amid unconfirmed community reports that Jayden’s mother, Felicia Spicer, also known as Felicia Gross, may have confessed to involvement in his death. While these claims have not yet been officially confirmed by authorities, the allegations have fueled intense public discussion and deepened the sense of tragedy surrounding the case.
State Senator Brandon Smith personally joined the search, navigating through difficult and often hazardous conditions in hopes of finding the boy. “We are going to continue to search for this little guy and get him home,” Smith said during the efforts — words that have now taken on a heartbreaking weight.
During the search, the community rallied together, raising a reward fund that quickly grew from $500 to over $2,000 in hopes of encouraging information that could lead to Jayden’s safe return. Those same neighbors are now shifting their focus toward seeking justice and supporting the grieving family.
Kentucky State Police continue to lead the investigation, urging anyone with information to contact Post 13 in Hazard at 606-435-6069. Officials have yet to release details on the cause of death or confirm the alleged confession, stating that the investigation is active and ongoing.
For residents of Breathitt County, the loss of Jayden Spicer is more than a headline — it is a personal tragedy that cuts to the heart of the community. As the town mourns, many are vowing to honor his memory by advocating for child safety, supporting one another, and ensuring that Jayden’s story is never forgotten.