Relief spread through Marion County on Thursday after the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight has been located safe in Williston. Authorities announced the update late in the evening but stressed that the case is still an active and ongoing investigation.
Caden had been reported missing and considered endangered after a troubling incident was first reported around 4:10 p.m. on September 25 in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484. Deputies, along with the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit, launched an intensive search effort, fearing that the teenager could be in danger.
Early in the investigation, Caden’s disappearance was tied to a report of a shooting and a possible abduction. His mother had received a disturbing text suggesting that four Hispanic men in a light-colored van had harmed him. The alarming details sparked widespread concern and a multi-agency response.
However, as detectives followed up on leads, they determined that the evidence did not support the initial claims of abduction. Instead, investigators discovered that Caden had purchased a red and gray tent earlier that day from a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala and may have left voluntarily on a dark-colored mountain bike. This shift in the investigation changed the direction of the search but did not lessen the urgency of locating him safely.
Sheriff Billy Woods addressed the public, underscoring the agency’s dedication to both uncovering the truth and ensuring the teen’s safety. “We respond to every 911 call with a determination to ensure justice is served and the truth revealed. But when these calls involve juveniles, it takes on an even greater intensity. This case is no different. While initial information was determined to be inaccurate, we remained fully committed to finding Caden. I want to thank the many citizens who provided tips and assisted my detectives during this search.”
Though Caden has now been found safe, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the community for their vigilance and support throughout the case and promised that additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.