Crime
Amber Alert Canceled: Missing 17-year-old Caden Speight Found Safe
UPDATE: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has confirmed that 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight has been located safe in Williston.
Authorities state that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Earlier, MCSO reported that deputies, along with the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit, had been actively searching for Caden, who was considered missing and endangered following an incident reported around 4:10 p.m. on September 25 in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Caden’s disappearance was linked to reports of a shooting and a possible abduction involving four Hispanic males in a light-colored van.
However, detectives later determined that the evidence did not support those claims. Instead, investigators developed information indicating that Caden may have left the area on a dark-colored mountain bike, carrying a red and gray tent that he had purchased earlier the same day at a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala.
Sheriff Billy Woods emphasized the agency’s continued commitment to uncovering the facts and ensuring Caden’s safety:
“We respond to every 911 call with a determination to ensure justice is served and the truth revealed. But any law-enforcement officer will tell you that when these calls involve juveniles, it takes on an even greater intensity. This case is no different. My deputies responded immediately, and I have dedicated all of my available resources to respond to this event. Initial information was later determined to be inaccurate; however, we always give everything we have until the investigation takes us in a different direction. I appreciate the many citizens who provided tips and information to assist my detectives. Please know, I will continue to have all of my available resources committed to ensuring this young man’s safety.”
The Sheriff’s Office has thanked the public for their assistance and stressed that while Caden has been found safe, the circumstances surrounding the case remain under investigation.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
“Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.” Those were the chilling final words 17-year-old Caden Speight sent in a text message to his mother, Annie Speight, on the afternoon of Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Moments later, Caden’s phone was discovered broken in half.
Since then, he has not been seen or heard from, and authorities say this is not a case of a runaway but an active abduction and Amber Alert that has triggered an intensive multi-agency search effort.
Last Known Location: 12800 block of SW Highway 484, east of Dunnellon, Florida
Last Seen: September 25, 2025, around 4:00 p.m.
Clothing Description: T-shirt and blue jeans
Suspects: Four unidentified Hispanic males traveling in a light-colored van
Final Text: “I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies believe Caden was shot and abducted by the suspects after he was last seen driving his truck in the area.
Authorities told Channel2 NOW that the truck was hit with a bullet.
Joshua Vowinkel told Channel2 NOW that he is the UPS driver who serviced the area earlier today. He reported making a delivery at 11795 SW Highway 484 around 1 p.m. During his stop, he observed four Hispanic men working on a roofing job at the property, along with a white van present at the scene.
According to Vo, the men were on a lunch break at the time and responded to his greeting with aggressive remarks in Spanish while giving him hostile looks. He stated he did not think much of the interaction until learning about the ongoing investigation.
Vo added that the homeowner’s name is Nika and hopes this information will assist authorities.
A large crime scene has been established near 128th Avenue and SW 484, where investigators recovered the damaged phone and are processing evidence connected to the abduction.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a massive search operation spanning multiple counties.
Both Marion County and Citrus County Sheriff’s Office aviation units are conducting aerial sweeps using grid-search patterns — slow, overlapping flight paths about one mile apart — covering a 30-mile radius.
Marion County has deployed its Bell 206A Jet Ranger helicopter, specifically equipped for search-and-rescue missions. On the ground, search teams with K-9 units are combing through wooded areas, rivers, and ditches.
Authorities emphasize that this is a critical stage of the investigation, and public assistance is urgently needed.
Community members are urged to continue sharing Caden’s missing person flyer and to report any tips or sightings immediately.
If you see Caden Speight, the suspects, or the vehicle believed to be involved, DO NOT APPROACH. Call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 732-9111
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774)
This is an active and ongoing Amber Alert investigation, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.