July 25, 2023
There was no kidnapping …
A statement made on behalf of Carlee Russell, who disappeared in mid-July for roughly 49 hours. The statement from Russell’s attorney, Emery Anthony, was shared by Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, who added, “we knew it was a hoax.”
Background: On July 13th, Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student, called the police on her way home from work saying she pulled over after seeing a toddler on the side of the highway. After speaking with police, she reportedly called a family member and then vanished. Russell appeared approximately 49 hours later at her family's door and said she had been abducted. A few days later, the Hoover PD held a press conference where Dervis said that after employing the resources of local, state, and federal authorities, "we have been unable to verify most of Carlee's initial statement made to investigators," while noting that the investigation was ongoing.
Big Picture: On Monday, Russell shared a statement through her attorney in which she asks for forgiveness and shares that the incident did not happen as she had originally stated; however, an investigation remains as to where Russell was during those 49 hours. Police officials are hoping to interview Russell, though have not been able to meet with her as of yet. Chief Derzis declined to say what charges she could possibly face.
Alabama Woman Admits She Lied About Abduction and Report of Wandering Child
by Jenna Lee,
