Caden Speight Amber Alert Cancelled, False Report Investigation Underway

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities confirmed Saturday that they have withdrawn all resources, including a reward, after the Amber Alert for 17-year-old Caden Speight was canceled Thursday. This decision follows reports suggesting the entire incident may have been fabricated by the teen.

The Uvalde Foundation, which assists in recovery efforts for missing children, became involved after Speight was initially reported as possibly being involved in a shooting and kidnapping. In its commitment to help, the foundation offered a reward, organized volunteer search teams, and sent personnel to check local areas like state parks, gas stations, and restaurants.

The foundation also monitored social media and online activities related to Speight’s case using its specialized database. However, investigators later uncovered evidence, including surveillance footage showing Speight purchasing a bicycle and camping gear, which indicated that his initial story might have been fabricated.

In light of this new evidence, Daniel Chapin, founder of the Uvalde Foundation, expressed the impact of false reports. “The resources and time we dedicate to finding a missing child are sacred,” Chapin said. “This case tragically demonstrates the profound cost of a false report.” He mentioned that the foundation wasted volunteer hours and financial resources on a search that turned out to be unnecessary.

Chapin added that if authorities confirm the report was a “deliberate hoax,” the foundation will seek formal charges against Speight. Under Florida law, knowingly filing a false report may be considered a first-degree misdemeanor, with more severe penalties if the false report leads to serious injury or death.

Authorities confirmed that Speight has been located safely. Initially, there were claims that he might have been abducted by four Hispanic males, but officials later determined that accusation to be false. The details regarding the circumstances of his disappearance remain undisclosed.