MARION COUNTY, FL – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) continues to devote extensive resources in the search for Caden Rex Speight, a missing juvenile authorities believe to be endangered.
The investigation began following a call reporting a shooting in the 12800 block of SW Highway 484 around 4:10 p.m. on September 25, 2025. Shortly after the incident, Caden was reported missing. Initial claims suggested that he had been abducted by four Hispanic men in a light-colored van, but detectives quickly determined that information was not supported by evidence.
Through witness interviews, surveillance, and transaction records, investigators have since developed a clearer timeline. Authorities now believe Caden may have voluntarily left the area. Evidence indicates that he recently purchased a black mountain bike along with a red and grey tent from a Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala. Detectives suspect he may be traveling with those items, shifting the case from a possible abduction to a missing endangered juvenile investigation.
Despite this new direction, law enforcement remains deeply concerned for Caden’s safety due to his age, lack of resources, and the circumstances of his disappearance.
The MCSO urges anyone who may see a juvenile matching Caden’s description traveling with a bike and tent to call 911 immediately. Even minor details could be vital to ensuring his safe return.
Sheriff’s officials reaffirmed their commitment: “All of our available resources remain dedicated to locating this young man.”
The search continues with aviation, mounted, and field force units actively deployed across Marion County.
