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.
Crime
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.