Kentucky State Police have charged the mother of a missing 10-year-old boy after his body was found in a shallow grave nearly a week after he was reported missing, as reported by The New York Post.

The remains of Jayden Spicer were located Tuesday afternoon in a heavily wooded area of rural Breathitt County, Kentucky, six days after he was first reported missing. Authorities said the discovery followed a tip received late Monday night that led investigators to the site.

Trooper Matt Gayheart confirmed that Jayden’s mother, 33-year-old Felicia Gross of Jackson, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and falsely reporting an incident.

Police said Gross had publicly pleaded for help in finding her son days earlier, providing a handwritten note to local media.

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“We love Jayden and we want him safe at home please if anybody see my son Jayden Spicer please report it to the Jackson police department,” the note read. “Thank you we love him very much please do the right thing call the police please pray for us and my son Jayden thank you.”

Investigators now believe Gross wrote the message knowing what had happened to the boy.

According to initial reports provided to police, Gross claimed Jayden went to bed on the night of Tuesday, Aug. 5, but was gone the following morning. His disappearance triggered an extensive search in the surrounding area, involving multiple agencies and local volunteers.

Jayden’s remains have been transported to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy. Kentucky State Police have not released further details on the manner of death or what led to the charges, citing an ongoing investigation.

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Court records show Gross previously served one year in jail for endangering the welfare of a minor. She is currently being held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail.

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