Amber Alert Issued for 17-Year-Old Caden Speight After Shooting and Kidnapping in Dunnellon; Suspect Identified as Luis M. Palomar, Two Others Found Dead
DUNNELLON, Fla. — A massive manhunt is underway after authorities issued an Amber Alert for 17-year-old Caden Speight, who was shot and abducted Thursday afternoon in Dunnellon. Law enforcement confirmed that one of the suspects in the case has been identified as Luis M. Palomar, a man with a criminal history, while two other suspects have since been found dead under circumstances that remain under investigation.
According to the Dunnellon Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded around 4:00 p.m. on September 25, 2025, near the 12800 block of SW Highway 484. Investigators believe Caden was ambushed while driving his truck in the area. Before disappearing, he sent a chilling final message to his mother, Annie Speight:
“Mom, I need help. Four Hispanics in a white van — one driver. I’m shot.”
Minutes later, his phone was found shattered in half on the roadside, with nearby evidence suggesting gunfire struck his vehicle.
Suspect Identified
Authorities confirmed Friday morning that Luis M. Palomar, who has prior arrests including a 2016 home invasion and three unrelated felony charges, is one of the individuals tied to the abduction. Palomar, described as armed and extremely dangerous, is believed to be at the center of the crime.
In a dramatic turn of events, two additional suspects reportedly linked to the abduction were found dead late Thursday night. Their identities have not yet been released pending family notification. Detectives have not disclosed how the men died, though they are investigating possible connections to the ongoing search for Caden.
Community Witness Accounts
One of the key witnesses, a UPS driver named Joshua Vowinkel, told investigators he delivered a package in the area around 1:00 p.m. the same day. He reported seeing four Hispanic men at a nearby roofing job with a white van matching the description given in Caden’s final text. Vowinkel described the men as “agitated” when approached, and he later identified Palomar as one of the individuals present.
Search Efforts Intensify
Authorities have mobilized a multi-agency search effort spanning Marion, Citrus, and surrounding counties.
- Aviation units are conducting grid searches using helicopters outfitted with search-and-rescue equipment.
- K-9 teams and deputies are combing wooded areas, ditches, and riverbanks.
- A major crime scene has been established at 128th Avenue and SW 484, where Caden’s phone and other evidence were recovered.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has also joined the case, underscoring the urgency and severity of the situation.
Community Outcry
The case has shaken Dunnellon and surrounding communities, with residents sharing Caden’s missing flyer across social media platforms. Many have expressed outrage over the suspects’ violent history, particularly Palomar’s past arrests, questioning how someone with such a record remained free.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, authorities continue to pursue all leads, stressing that the situation remains fluid and highly dangerous. Officials have not confirmed whether Caden was with Palomar or another suspect at the time the two men were found dead.
Public Appeal
Law enforcement is urging the public to remain vigilant:
- Do not approach Palomar, Caden, or any vehicle resembling the suspects’ van.
- Call 911 immediately if you spot anything suspicious.
- Tips can also be reported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 732-9111 or the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 1-888-FL-MISSING (1-888-356-4774).
As the investigation intensifies, authorities stress that every second counts in the effort to locate Caden Speight and bring him home safely.
