Caden Rex Speight, Florida Teen Arrest – Kidnapping Hoax

Caden Rex Speight, a 17-year-old from Florida, found himself behind bars after allegedly fabricating his own kidnapping. The strange true crime news revealed that his disappearance resulted in an Amber Alert, and now that he’s been arrested, he could face some serious charges.

Detained In Marion County

Caden, who hails from Dunnellon, was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on October 14, according to The Sun. After some very questionable decisions, he now faces multiple felony charges. Most likely though, some sort of mental health evaluation will also be done.

The incident began on September 25, when Speight was reported missing after sending his mother what were described as “bone-chilling” text messages. At the time, Caden Rex Speight claimed he’d been shot and abducted by four men in a light-colored van.

Allegedly A Hoax

Naturally, officials and townspeople turned out to do whatever they could to help the young man. A desperate search followed, but it was all in vain. Allegedly, it was all an elaborate hoax. While he may have wanted to be famous, it seems that Caden is now, but for all the wrong reasons.

The decision was made to charge Caden, and on Wednesday this week, WFTV Channel 9 shared the news on YouTube. You can view it further down in this article. It turned out that investigators uncovered inconsistencies in Speight’s story.

Deliberate Planning?

Things looked genuine, initially. After all, the supposed crime scene revealed his abandoned truck. Plus, there was a bullet hole in the windshield, what looked like suspected blood, and a “damaged” phone.

“Drag marks” and bicycle tracks on the ground also suggested a terrible confrontation took place. However, law enforcement also noted that Caden had purchased a tent, a sleeping bag, and a bicycle from a local Walmart shortly before his disappearance.

Furthermore, follow-up investigations found that the teenager had used AI to find out more about “Mexican cartels” and how to collect his own blood “without causing pain.” As far as the cops are concerned, the determination to make the hoax look real led Caden Rex Speight to the point of actually shooting himself.

A Self-Inflicted Gunshot 

Never mind getting his blood without pain, because that wound must have been very painful. When Caden was located on September 26, officers found him with a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound that shattered his femur.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods stated that Speight’s abduction narrative was “completely made up.” The teen was subsequently charged with “Presenting False Evidence, Shooting into a Conveyance, Making a False Report of a Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.” Currently, he’s being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Allegedly, his parents encouraged him not to cooperate during questioning.

True Crime Enthusiasts Have Something To Say

On YouTube, in the comments section, many people felt that Caden should be tried as an adult. One of them opined, “Charge him as an Adult. However Mummy and Daddy need to pay the cost for the resources that it took to search for this Ninkumpoop.”

Here are a few more reactions from the discussion area:

• Kid needs mental help.
• He wanted his fifteen minutes and they’re going to turn into years. FAFO. His parents are going to be sued to recoup the cost of the wasted time it took to investigate his BS.
• This is so bizaar. I wonder if he is from an abusive home and was trying to escape?
• He needs mental health HELP there is something seriously wrong. Maybe its a cry for help??? Good Lord!

What are your thoughts about Caden Rex Speight? Are you shocked that he allegedly went to such lengths to fake a kidnapping? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for your true crime news and updates.