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51m ago

Florida Sheriff Says Teen Faked Abduction, Shot Himself to Sustain Hoax

Officials weigh charges following a costly, multi-agency search.

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{p}The case began on September 25, when 17-year-old Caden Speight was reported missing near SW Highway 484 in Dunnellon. Authorities initially believed Speight had been shot and abducted by four Hispanic men in a light-colored van, prompting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to issue an Amber Alert.{/p}
The case began on September 25, when 17-year-old Caden Speight was reported missing near SW Highway 484 in Dunnellon. Authorities initially believed Speight had been shot and abducted by four Hispanic men in a light-colored van, prompting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to issue an Amber Alert. (Marion Co. Sheriff's Office)

Overview

  • Sheriff Billy Woods said the 17-year-old’s texts claiming he was shot and abducted were "completely made up."
  • Investigators reported the teen bought a bicycle, tent and camping supplies at a Walmart in Ocala before riding toward Williston.
  • Deputies found his vehicle near evidence of a single gunshot, and authorities say he later shot himself in the leg to keep the story going.
  • The AMBER Alert initially cited four possibly Hispanic men, a detail investigators later refuted as false.
  • Detectives have not interviewed the juvenile because his parents declined, and the sheriff said potential charges and cost recovery remain under review.