The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has confirmed that 17-year-old Caden Rex Speight has been located safe in Williston, bringing relief to a case that had sparked intense concern and widespread attention. Authorities stressed, however, that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional updates will be released as more information is confirmed.
Caden was initially reported missing following alarming claims that led investigators to classify him as an endangered juvenile. On Thursday evening, his mother, Annie Speight, reported receiving a disturbing text message from her son. The message read: “Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
This chilling message triggered an urgent law enforcement response. Deputies, detectives, the Aviation Unit, Field Force Unit, and Mounted Unit were mobilized in a widespread search effort across Marion County. Authorities initially treated the situation as a possible abduction and shooting, given the severity of the text and the immediate danger it suggested.
However, after locating Caden in Williston unharmed, investigators confirmed that there was no evidence he had been abducted by four Hispanic men, nor was there evidence that he had been shot. Officials have since revealed that Caden fabricated the story and lied to his mother, which caused fear and panic within both his family and the community.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that while the immediate danger has passed, the case is not closed. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances that led Caden to send the false message and disappear. The agency also underscored the seriousness of making such claims, noting that false reports can drain critical resources, create unnecessary panic, and unfairly target innocent groups—in this case, members of the Hispanic community.
The Marion County community, though relieved that Caden is safe, is grappling with mixed emotions over the ordeal. Many are thankful that the teenager was not harmed, while others remain troubled by the fear and disruption caused by the fabricated abduction claim.
Authorities have not yet stated whether Caden will face legal consequences for his actions. The Sheriff’s Office reiterated that updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
For now, the Speight family is relieved to have their son back safe, though the incident has raised broader conversations about responsibility, trust, and the real-world consequences of false reports.
