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Florida Teen Arrested After Deputies Say He Staged Abduction, Shot Himself to Sustain Hoax

Investigators say forensic and digital evidence showed the reported kidnapping was fabricated.

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{p}On Sept. 29, Sheriff Billy Woods addressed public concerns about the cost and consequences of the hoax, stating, “Many of you have asked, ‘Will Caden be facing any charges?’ ‘What about the taxpayer cost of this large-scale investigation and search?’ I can tell you those items are not off the table at this point.” (Marion Co. Sheriff's Office){ }{/p}
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Overview

  • The 17-year-old, identified as Caden Speight, was booked into the Department of Juvenile Justice on charges of presenting false evidence, shooting into a conveyance, making a false crime report, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
  • The Sept. 25 texts triggered a statewide AMBER Alert and a multi-agency search in Marion and Levy counties that the sheriff described as a vast deployment of resources.
  • Detectives reported a bullet hole through his truck’s windshield, suspected blood, a destroyed phone, drag marks and bicycle tracks that officials say were part of a staged scene.
  • Surveillance showed pre-incident purchases of a bicycle and camping gear at Walmart, and a laptop review found ChatGPT searches about collecting his own blood and Mexican cartels, according to authorities.
  • Williston police located him within 24 hours with a handgun and the bicycle, and deputies say his leg wound that shattered his femur was self-inflicted; a sheriff’s spokesperson said he has since bonded out.