Crime
Latest development in Caden Speight Amber Alert: Located safe in Williston
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 texted his mother, Annie Speight, on the afternoon of Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Moments later, Caden’s phone was discovered broken in half, and he has not been seen or heard from since.
Authorities say this is not a case of a runaway. Instead, it is being treated as an active abduction and Amber Alert case, prompting a large-scale, multi-agency search effort.
- Last Known Location: 12800 block of SW Highway 484, east of Dunnellon, Florida
- Last Seen: September 25, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
- Clothing Description: T-shirt and blue jeans
- Suspects: Four unidentified Hispanic males in a light-colored van
- Final Text Message: “I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe Caden was shot and abducted while driving his truck in the area.
Deputies confirmed the vehicle appeared to have been struck by gunfire.
A UPS driver, Joshua Vowinkel, told Channel2 NOW that he delivered a package to 11795 SW Highway 484 around 1 p.m. the same day. He reported seeing four Hispanic men working on a roofing job at the property with a white van parked nearby.
Vowinkel stated the men were on a lunch break and responded aggressively in Spanish when he greeted them, giving him hostile looks.
He added that he initially dismissed the encounter until learning of the investigation.
According to Vowinkel, the homeowner’s name is Nika, and he hopes this information will aid authorities.
This video is from one day ago in Ocala and you can see Hispanic males and the white van.
A major crime scene has been established near 128th Avenue and SW 484, where investigators recovered Caden’s broken phone and other evidence.
Law enforcement agencies have since mobilized a massive search operation spanning multiple counties.
Aviation units from Marion County and Citrus County Sheriff’s Offices are conducting aerial sweeps using grid-search patterns — overlapping circles approximately one mile apart — covering a 30-mile radius.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has deployed its Bell 206A Jet Ranger helicopter, which is specifically outfitted for search-and-rescue operations.
On the ground, deputies, specialized search teams, and K-9 units are combing wooded areas, rivers, and ditches.
Authorities stress that this is a critical stage of the investigation and community support is urgently needed.
Residents are asked to continue sharing Caden’s missing person flyer and report any potential tips without delay.
If you spot Caden Speight, the suspects, or the light-colored van, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 732-9111
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774)
This remains an active and ongoing Amber Alert investigation, and law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain alert and 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.