JACKSON, KY – A 10-year-old boy reported missing from Jackson has been found dead, and his mother is facing several felony charges, according to state authorities.

Felicia Gross, 33, was arrested in connection with the death of her son, Jayden Spicer. Police say she faces charges including second-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, filing a false police report, and tampering with a witness.

On August 6, Jayden was reported missing by his parents. The news prompted a widespread search in and around Jackson, a small mountain town southeast of Lexington. Local and state law enforcement agencies joined forces, actively searching wooded areas and neighborhoods for days.

According to investigators, Gross eventually admitted her involvement in Jayden’s death during an interview with detectives. She reportedly told officers she had given Jayden a type of sleeping medication, which led to a medical emergency that she believes resulted in his death.

Jayden was last seen the night of August 5, wearing blue pajamas featuring the character Sonic the Hedgehog, according to information circulated by police to aid in the search. He was described as 5-foot-1, slim, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Authorities say both parents reported their son missing the morning after he was last seen. As the search effort continued for several days, police used various resources to investigate his disappearance, maintaining hope for the boy’s safe return.

Investigators say Gross’s confession provided crucial details that helped police locate Jayden’s remains. On Tuesday, officers found the boy’s body buried in a shallow grave inside a plastic container, located in a remote wooded area along Canoe Road, approximately 19 miles southwest of the family home.

Detectives allege Gross attempted to cover up the circumstances of Jayden’s death, including instructing her other children to lie to authorities during interviews. Officials say she wrote a handwritten plea for public help finding her son, which was later found to be part of efforts to mislead investigators.

Interviews with two of Jayden’s siblings reportedly revealed coached statements, further raising concerns for authorities working the case. The children had been interviewed at a child advocacy center days before their mother’s confession.

Family members had expressed disbelief that Jayden would wander far from home, highlighting his aversion to the dark and insects. Relatives described him as a sweet, active child who loved to stay on the move.

An autopsy is scheduled to determine Jayden Spicer’s exact cause of death. Gross is currently being held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail as the investigation continues.

Officials acknowledged the outcome was not what searchers or the community had hoped for, but emphasized that the resolution provides at least a measure of closure after days of uncertainty.