On July 13, 2023, 25-year-old Carlethia Nicole Russell, or simply, Carlee Russell was driving on Interstate 459 when she stopped her red Mercedes Benz along the highway to phone 9-1-1 to report a toddler walking along the highway with only a white t-shirt and diaper on. She placed the call around 9:34 P.M. and this was the last she was seen or heard from for the next 49 hours. A huge search for her went underway involving the use of police helicopters, drones, and volunteers from all over. A vigil was also held for those who wanted to gather and pray for her safe return. Residents of Birmingham feared that someone was using their child as "bait" to lure victims to be kidnapped, and they wanted the kidnappers caught as soon as possible. On Saturday night, July 15th, Carlee returned home to her parents' yard, and soon, the details of her kidnapping unraveled, and it isn't what anyone expected. For those who invested their time and energy into Carlee's case, this was a crushing blow and the ultimate blindside.

Sources

E-Online (2023)

People (2023)

TMZ (2023)

WDSU (2023)

NPR (2023)

WVTM (2023)

NPR (2023)

Audio

NBC News- Alabama police announce charges in Carlee Russell kidnapping hoax (2023)

ABC 33/40- Carlee Russell 911 call-released from Hoover PD (2023)

11Alive- Police read full statement from Carlee Russell's attorney regarding her disappearance (2023)