Carlee Russell, the 25-year-old Alabama woman who claimed she was kidnapped after reporting seeing a toddler walking along the interstate, has admitted that she fabricated the story.
Carlee Russell’s Apology
In a statement released through her attorney, Russell said that there was no kidnapping on July 13 and that she had not seen a baby on the side of the road.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused my family, friends, and the community,” Russell said in the statement. “I know that there is no excuse for what I did, and I am truly sorry.”
Carlee Russell’s Attorney
Carlee has provided a statement
“There was no kidnapping, I did not see a baby”
She apologized to the police and to her friends and family#breakingnews #CarleeRussell pic.twitter.com/ncYFQeX7Ez
— Crime With Bobby (@crimewithbobby) July 24, 2023
Russell’s attorney, Emory Anthony, said that his client is “going through a very difficult time” and that she is seeking professional help.
“Carlee is a good person who made a very bad mistake,” Anthony said. “She is deeply sorry for what she has done, and she is committed to making things right.”
The Hoover Police Department said that they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Russell’s disappearance.
“We are still trying to determine why Carlee made the false kidnapping claim,” said Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. “We are also trying to determine where she was during the time she was missing.”
Russell’s apology comes after a massive search for her that involved law enforcement agencies from across the state. The search was launched after Russell called 911 on July 13 and reported seeing a toddler walking along Interstate 65.
Russell told police that she had stopped to help the toddler, but that she was then kidnapped by a man. She said that the man drove her to an unknown location and held her captive for several hours.
However, police were unable to find any evidence to support Russell’s claims. They also said that Russell’s story changed several times during the course of their investigation.
In her apology statement, Russell said that she “made a mistake” and that she “should have come forward sooner.” She also said that she is “ashamed” of what she did.
“I know that I have a lot of work to do to earn back the trust of my family, friends, and the community,” Russell said. “I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make things right.”
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