Mom Pleaded for Help When Son Went Missing. Now He's Been Found in Shallow Grave — and She's Facing Charges By Samira Asma-Sadeque 15

A Kentucky mother is facing multiple charges after her missing son was found dead in a shallow grave nearly a week after he disappeared.

Jayden Spicer, 10, was reported missing on Aug. 6 in Breathitt County, Ky., sparking a days-long search effort, according to statements from the Kentucky State Police.

During the investigation, police were led to a heavily wooded area on Tuesday, Aug. 12, where they found his remains in a shallow grave, authorities said.

Jayden’s mother Felicia A. Gross, 33, was then arrested on several charges, including second-degree manslaughter, per state police.

Gross’ arrest comes after she pleaded with the public to help find her son.

In a handwritten statement shared with local outlet WYMT earlier on in the search, Gross pleaded: “We want him safe at home. Please if anybody see my son jayden spicer please report it to the jackson police department. we love him very much please do the right thing call the police please pray for us.”

Jayden’s extended family members, including his aunt, also rallied for support to bring him home. Samantha Brunty started a GoFundMe to raise funds for a cash reward being offered to anyone who could “help close the case and bring Jayden home.”

The fundraiser was shut down after the recovery of Jayden’s remains.

The search efforts took a turn after Gross allegedly admitted to killing Jayden and led police to his body, per authorities. According to an arrest document cited by the Lexington Herald Leader, Gross allegedly admitted to giving Jayden sleeping pills and later burying him in a plastic tote.

She allegedly told investigators she thought the child had died from an emergency stemming from sleeping medication he took, the outlet reported. She also allegedly confessed to “coaching” his siblings for their police interviews.

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Gross has been charged with manslaughter, abuse of corpse, tampering with evidence and falsely reporting.

Plea and attorney information for Gross were not immediately available.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.