Topline
Carlee Russell, a 25-year-old Alabama woman who mysteriously vanished for 49 hours, admitted this week to making up a shocking story about being kidnapped on the side of a highway after calling 911—but as Russell’s activity and whereabouts remain unclear, some unconfirmed and false rumors about her disappearance have emerged.
Russell admitted to not actually seeing a baby along the interstate while driving. (Photo by: … [+]
Key Facts
Publications like the Daily Mail have reported Russell’s home was lined with cars a day after her birthday over the weekend and noted the reward money donated after her disappearance would not be returned to donors—leaving some social media users to speculate that Russell could be using the money for personal reasons.
However, Russell’s mother released a statement to local news outlets saying the family did not solicit money or authorize any GoFundMe fundraisers on Russell’s behalf, instead telling people to donate to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, a nonprofit that accepts anonymous tips and offers cash rewards after arrests.
Crime Stoppers has also raised eyebrows for collecting $63,378 in reward fund money and largely holding onto the funds, but the group told AL.com it has refunded some larger donors who gave at least $20,000, and has held off on refunding smaller donors because the investigation into Russell’s disappearance is still ongoing.
Rumors have also flown about why Russell spread the kidnapping hoax, including that it was a response to a recent breakup with her boyfriend, but police have not released a motive and say the situation is still under investigation.
Forbes has reached out to the Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama for comment.
Key Background
Earlier this month, Russell disappeared shortly after calling the police and claiming she saw a white male toddler walking along a highway in Hoover, an Alabama city south of Birmingham. Russell returned home on-foot 49 hours later with a story about being kidnapped, prompting an investigation that garnered national media attention. This week, however, Russell’s attorney sent a statement to police admitting she was not kidnapped. The statement says Russell acted completely alone, “did not have any help in this incident” and “was not with anyone or at any hotel with anyone from the time she was missing. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said in the days leading up to her disappearance, Russell allegedly searched for information about Amber Alerts, the movie Taken (which is about a young girl being abducted), the Birmingham bus station and other things that reveal her state of mind, though the police chief refused to detail what those searches were. Police have found no evidence of a white male toddler disappearing nor were there any children reported missing during the time of Russell’s call.
What To Watch For
Russell has not been charged with a crime, but Derzis said the police department is in communication with Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office about potential criminal charges, which they will announce “when and if they are filed.” The Hoover Police Department is expected to meet with Russell’s attorney today.
Further Readings
Carlee Russell Admits She Wasn’t Kidnapped On Alabama Highway, Police Say (Forbes)
Everything You Need To Know About Carlee Russell’s Alleged Disappearance (Forbes)
What We Know About Carlee Russell: No Evidence Of Lost Child On Interstate, Alabama Police Say (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/darreonnadavis/2023/07/25/money-donated-to-crime-stoppers-didnt-go-to-carlee-russell-fact-checking-rumors-about-alabama-womans-disappearance/