Push for Child Abuse Reform in Kentucky After Tragic Death

Morehead, Kentucky, September 27, 2025

News Summary

The tragic death of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer has sparked a movement for child abuse reform in Kentucky, led by true crime author Joe Clark. With an online petition gaining traction, advocates strive for legislative changes, including ‘Jayden’s Law,’ aimed at increasing penalties for abusers and enhancing protections for children. The case has prompted scrutiny of existing laws as the public calls for systemic reform in child welfare legislation to prevent future tragedies.

Morehead, Kentucky – The tragic death of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer has ignited a significant push for child abuse reform in Kentucky, highlighted by an online petition gaining momentum across the state. True crime author Joe Clark, residing in Morehead, is leading this initiative, which aims to change the narrative surrounding child safety and protection laws in the Commonwealth.

Jayden Spicer was tragically found dead in the woods, a mere 20 miles from his home, after an extensive search lasting a week in August 2025. The investigation into his death has led to serious allegations against his mother, 33-year-old Felicia Gross, and her husband, Joshua Gross, who have both been indicted on charges of murder and complicity to murder.

Felicia Gross has a concerning criminal history, including prior charges related to endangering the welfare of a child. This aspect has further fueled calls for change, as advocates argue that existing Kentucky laws fail to adequately protect children from abusive situations. Presently, endangerment is treated as a misdemeanor in Kentucky, allowing some convicted abusers to seek custody of children post-conviction.

In response, Clark is proposing legislation dubbed “Jayden’s Law,” which aims to enact several key reforms designed to strengthen child protection in the state. The proposed law seeks to:

• Increase penalties for acts of child abuse and manslaughter.
• Enhance the protective measures for children under the age of 18.
• Close existing custody loopholes that currently permit abusers to regain custody after being convicted.

Clark has raised a critical question regarding societal attitudes toward child abuse, urging a firmer stance to safeguard vulnerable youth. The online petition has already attracted over 2,400 signatures, reflecting widespread public support for these necessary reforms.

Kentucky’s child protection laws are now under intense scrutiny following Jayden’s death, with many constituents demanding systemic change. In support of this movement, Senator Brandon Smith has expressed solidarity with the proposed legislation, advocating for more severe penalties for abusive behaviors.

In addition to the call for increased penalties, Clark acknowledges the potential resource requirements for implementing such changes. He believes, however, that the costs associated with not protecting children far exceed the financial investment needed to ensure their safety and justice.

The proposed Jayden’s Law includes specific provisions for an immediate effect upon passage, as well as measures addressing a concerning gap in protections for children aged 12 to 17—a demographic often overlooked in existing legislation. As the situation develops, Jayden Spicer’s mother and stepfather are scheduled to appear in court in November to face their charges.

Advocates continue to mobilize support for this cause, emphasizing that profound changes in child welfare legislation are essential to prevent future tragedies similar to the one that befell Jayden Spicer.

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Additional Resources

• WDRB News
• Wikipedia: Child Abuse
• WYMT News
• Google Search: Jayden Spicer
• WKYT News
• Google Scholar: Child Protection Law
• LEX18 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Protection
• Fox 56 News
• Google News: Jayden Spicer

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