FBI seeks witness, car in case of missing Atlanta mom
After thoroughly evaluating security camera footage from a Florida gas station, the FBI now believes a witness in a gold Honda sedan could have answers about what happened to Leila Cavett.
The four-door Honda sedan was seen parked near the fuel pumps of a RaceTrac in Hollywood nearby where footage shows the 21-year-old Atlanta mom.
“Leila’s separation from her son is completely out of character,” FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge George Piro said. “Her family and others in our community are very concerned about her safety and well-being.”
The Honda sedan was seen on surveillance footage between 11:24 p.m. and 11:28 p.m. July 27, near the fuel pumps of the RaceTrac gas station on Hollywood Boulevard, the FBI told the Sun-Sentinel.
The car has visible damage to the left rear bumper, the FBI said. Investigators say the driver and potential occupants of the Honda sedan may have seen something related to the disappearance of Cavett, whose 18-month-old son was found wandering alone in a Miramar, Florida, apartment parking lot around the time of her disappearance.
Last week, authorities released video that shows Cavett at the RaceTrac. The FBI also began collecting evidence, including two dumpsters, at a RaceTrac in Hollywood, Florida, where the 21-year-old was last seen and Shannon Ryan, the man who claims to be the last person to see her, was also spotted, according to news station Local 10.
In a criminal complaint filed in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, the FBI said video evidence does not support Ryan’s claims that he saw Cavett and her 2-year-old son Kamdyn get into another person’s vehicle. Investigators also say he bought odor eliminator, duct tape and extra-large garbage bags around the time of her disappearance.
Ryan, 38, is charged with kidnapping a victim with the intent of collecting a ransom, reward or other benefit. According to reports, Ryan refers to himself as a witch and an oracle.
About the Author
Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.
