Crime
Missing Caden Speight lied to his mother, No evidence of kidnapping by Hispanic men
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has clarified details in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight, who remains missing and classified as an endangered juvenile.
Early reports suggested that Caden had been abducted after his mother, Annie Speight, received a chilling text message on September 25 reading: “Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.” That message sparked an Amber Alert and a large-scale, multi-agency search effort.
However, after reviewing evidence and information collected from the scene, detectives say those initial claims could not be corroborated.
At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that Caden was abducted by four Hispanic men in a light-colored van.
Instead, the investigation has revealed that Caden may have left the area voluntarily.
Authorities believe he departed the location of the reported shooting on a dark-colored mountain bike, carrying a red and gray tent that he had purchased earlier that same day at a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala.
Despite the false abduction report, MCSO emphasizes that Caden is still missing and considered endangered. Multiple divisions — including Detectives, the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit — remain fully engaged in the search effort.
Sheriff Billy Woods addressed the development in a public statement:
“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 locating this young man.”
Authorities are now asking the public to remain vigilant and to assist in the search.
Anyone who sees an individual matching Caden’s description — especially someone traveling on a dark-colored bicycle and carrying camping gear — is urged not to approach, but to call 911 immediately.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.