Carlee Russell, a 25-year-old woman from Alabama, made headlines when she disappeared after reporting a sighting of a toddler on Interstate 459 South.[0] She called 911 just after 9:30 p.m. on July 13 to report the sighting and told a relative that she was going to help the child.[1] However, she lost contact with her relative, and when the police arrived at the scene, Russell had disappeared.[2]
Russell's disappearance sparked a nationwide effort to find her, as authorities believed she may have been kidnapped. Traffic camera footage released by the police showed Russell pulling over on the highway, getting out of her car, and eventually disappearing before the police arrived.[2] Two days later, Russell returned home and told investigators a shocking story of being abducted by a man and a woman who took her to their home, undressed her, and took photos of her.[2] She claimed to have escaped and returned home on foot.[2]
However, investigators soon became suspicious of Russell's story. They discovered that she had made internet searches about Amber alerts and how to steal money from a cash register.[1] They also found that she had searched for a one-way bus ticket from Birmingham to Nashville.[3] These searches, along with the fact that none of the snacks she had purchased from Target before her disappearance were found in her car, led investigators to believe that Russell had staged the entire incident.[1]
In a press conference, Russell's attorney, Emory Anthony, read a statement on her behalf, admitting that there was no kidnapping and that she had lied about seeing a toddler on the side of the road.[4] The statement also apologized for her actions and asked for forgiveness from the community, the volunteers who searched for her, and the police department. Russell's mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, still maintains that her daughter was abducted and hopes that the police will continue to pursue her abductor.[5]
The police are currently working with prosecutors to discuss potential criminal charges against Russell.[6] They are also hoping to interview her to gather more information about what happened during the 49 hours she was missing. Meanwhile, Russell's attorney has asked the public to stop cyberbullying his client and to consider her mental health.
As the investigation into Carlee Russell's disappearance continues, the truth behind her actions remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that her story of a toddler sighting and abduction was a fabrication, and the search for answers now turns to why she would go to such lengths to deceive the public and law enforcement.
0. “Carlee Russell admits ‘there was no kidnapping' or baby on the highway in bombshell hoax confession” New York Post , 24 Jul. 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/07/24/carlee-russell-admits-there-was-no-kidnapping-or-baby-on-the-highway-in-bombshell-hoax-confession/
1. “Cops haven’t verified most of Carlee Russell’s story, but she says nude photos were taken while she was missing” NBC News, 19 Jul. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cops-havent-verified-carlee-russell-story-says-nude-photos-taken-missi-rcna95065
2. “Carlee Russell Admits She Wasn’t Kidnapped On Alabama Highway, Police Say” Forbes, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/07/24/carlee-russell-admits-she-wasnt-kidnapped-on-alabama-highway-police-say
3. “Carlee Russell Tweeted Multiple Times Within 40 Minutes of Calling 911” PEOPLE, 21 Jul. 2023, https://people.com/carlee-russell-tweeted-multiple-times-within-40-minutes-911-call-7563925
4. “Carlee Russell admitted to lying about her disappearance by Alabama freeway: police” Fox News, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/carlee-russell-admitted-lying-disappearance-alabama-freeway
5. “Hoover Police: Carlee Russell says she wasn't kidnapped, never saw toddler” WAAY, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.waaytv.com/news/hoover-police-carlee-russell-says-she-wasnt-kidnapped-never-saw-toddler/article_bce65276-2a65-11ee-80fc-73dee65fda24.html
6. “‘There was no kidnapping': Carlee Russell's attorney gives statement after suspicious disappearance” WJCL News Savannah, 24 Jul. 2023, https://www.wjcl.com/article/carlee-russell-update-july-24-2023/44630983
