Marion County, FL — Relief spread through north-central Florida on Friday as authorities confirmed that 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight, whose disappearance prompted an Amber Alert and widespread search, has been located safe in Williston.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced late Friday afternoon that Caden was found unharmed, ending nearly 24 hours of uncertainty. However, investigators now say the teen’s alarming claims of being shot and abducted by four men in a white van were not true.
The Disturbing Message That Sparked Fear
On Thursday, September 25, around 4:00 p.m., Caden’s mother, Annie Speight, received a chilling text message that read:
“Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
Moments later, Caden’s phone was discovered broken in half near the 12800 block of SW Highway 484 in Dunnellon. Based on the message and the circumstances, law enforcement immediately classified the teen as an endangered juvenile and issued an Amber Alert.
The text and subsequent discovery triggered a large-scale, multi-agency search involving ground units, K-9s, and helicopters.
Authorities: No Evidence of Abduction
After locating Caden in Williston, investigators determined there was no evidence that he had been abducted or shot.
“Caden is safe, and we can confirm that the information provided in the initial text was fabricated,” the MCSO said in a statement. “There are no suspects at large, and the public is not in danger.”
Authorities added that Caden willfully misled his family and investigators, though they have not disclosed his motivation for doing so.
Community Shock and Relief
The case, which initially stirred fear and outrage, has now left many in the Dunnellon and Williston communities stunned. Residents who had spent hours sharing flyers and monitoring updates online expressed mixed emotions—relief that Caden is safe, but also frustration over the false alarm.
“This could have put a lot of people in danger,” one Dunnellon resident said. “Law enforcement poured resources into this search because everyone thought a child had been kidnapped.”
Ongoing Investigation
While Caden has been found, authorities emphasized that this remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is reviewing how the false claims were made, whether additional individuals were involved, and what consequences—if any—Caden may face for the hoax.
Officials also acknowledged the strain caused by the false alert, noting that an Amber Alert mobilizes significant manpower, technology, and community resources.
No Threat to Public Safety
For now, investigators stress that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. “This was not a case of abduction,” the MCSO said. “We want to reassure the community that Caden has been found safe, and there are no suspects to pursue.”
The Sheriff’s Office says more details will be released as the investigation continues.