Alabama Woman Apologizes for False Kidnapping Report, Claims Mistake
Hoover Police in Alabama held a second press conference on Monday to address the controversy surrounding Carlee Russell, the woman who was reported missing earlier this month after allegedly stopping to help a toddler on Highway I-459. In a statement sent to Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, Russell’s attorney, Emory Anthony, revealed that there was no kidnapping and that his client had made a mistake.
According to the statement, Russell did not see a baby on the side of the road and did not leave the Hoover area when she was reported missing. The attorney emphasized that Russell acted alone and did not receive any assistance during the incident. Furthermore, he explained that his client wanted to issue a public apology and intended to address the issues surrounding the events that attracted widespread attention.
The attorney’s statement expressed Russell’s remorse for her actions and extended apologies to the community, the volunteers who searched for her, the Hoover Police Department, other agencies, and her friends and family. It also requested prayers for Russell as she deals with the aftermath of her mistake.
On July 13, Carlee Russell disappeared after calling 911 to report a missing toddler seen walking along I-459. She was driving in Hoover, just a few miles south of Birmingham. Police reported that Russell called a family member after spotting the child, but lost contact when she went to investigate further. The call abruptly ended with a scream. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Russell’s vehicle with all her belongings but no sign of Carlee or the missing child. Prior to the incident, there were no reports of a missing child along the interstate.
Surprisingly, two days later, authorities were informed that Russell had returned home on foot. She was subsequently taken to UAB hospital for evaluation, treatment, and release.
During the press conference, Hoover Police revealed that before her alleged abduction, Russell had used her phone to search for information about Amber Alerts and the movie Taken, which revolves around the abduction of women by human traffickers.
Moving forward, Russell plans to address the issues she faced and wishes to obtain understanding, acknowledging that she made a mistake. The apology expressed in her attorney’s statement highlights her remorse and request for forgiveness.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of false claims. It is hoped that this situation can be resolved with understanding and support for Carlee Russell as she moves forward and learns from her mistakes.
