Alabama Woman Found After Two Days Missing
Carlee Russell, the Alabama woman who went missing for two days, has returned home. According to Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis, Russell made unusual searches on her phone before her disappearance. She looked up Amber Alerts and the movie “Taken,” a film about abduction, raising concerns about her mindset. Additionally, Russell searched for bus tickets just hours before she vanished. The police chief found these searches highly unusual and strange. However, he did not disclose other searches out of respect for Russell’s privacy.
Russell was last heard from on Wednesday before she disappeared. She claimed that she was taken by a man and a woman after stopping to check on a toddler she saw on the highway. Surveillance video of the interstate does not show anyone abducting Russell. The FBI is currently enhancing the footage for further investigation. Furthermore, the police have not found any evidence of a child walking on the road, despite Russell calling 911 to report the sighting.
Although investigators cannot verify most of Russell’s initial statements, they do not believe there is a threat to public safety related to this case. However, the investigation is ongoing, and the police want to speak with Russell again. It is unclear if Russell may face charges as the investigation is still in progress. The police chief emphasized the extensive resources that have been allocated to this case.
Toxicology reports have not been conducted yet, and there is no indication of mental illness in this case. Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances of Russell’s disappearance and her return home. Russell was found walking alone in her neighborhood before she arrived home on Saturday night. Medics were dispatched to Russell’s residence upon her return, but she was conscious and speaking when she arrived and was released from the hospital after treatment.
There have been concerns raised about how cases involving women of color may be perceived differently. However, Chief Derzis stated that every crime is investigated with the same level of seriousness and commitment.
ABC News has reached out to Russell’s family for further comment.