New audio released by Hoover, Alabama police reveals Carlee Russell assuring a 911 dispatcher she would remain on the interstate until officers arrived. This follows Russell's claim of being abducted after reporting a toddler wandering along I-459. A former FBI agent has expressed skepticism about Russell's account, suggesting it appears fabricated.
The 25-year-old Russell vanished after contacting 911 on July 13th, reporting a small child alone on the interstate. She subsequently called a family member, abruptly ending the conversation while leaving the line open. Russell reappeared at her home two days later and was briefly hospitalized. Law enforcement has found no evidence supporting the presence of a child on the interstate.
Russell alleges she was then approached by a man with orange hair, ostensibly checking on the child, but who instead forced her over a fence and into a vehicle. She claims to have been placed in an 18-wheeler trailer, from which she escaped, only to be recaptured and placed in a car. Russell says her alleged captors blindfolded her but did not tie her up, purportedly to avoid leaving wrist marks. She further states she was taken to a house, undressed, and possibly photographed, though she maintains no sexual contact occurred.
According to Russell, she was later fed cheese crackers by a woman who played with her hair. She claims to have eventually escaped again while in a vehicle and ran through wooded areas until she reached her home. Police noted a minor lip injury and Russell's complaint of a headache during their interview. She reportedly had $107 in her sock at the time.
Former FBI Special Agent Jonathan Gilliam finds Russell's narrative implausible, particularly the detail about avoiding wrist marks. He questions the logic behind this concern if the intent was abduction. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Russell walking to her house, and police have confirmed no evidence of a child was found. Data from a location-tracking app indicates Russell traveled a significant distance during the initial 911 call. It was also revealed that Russell took items, including a bathrobe and toilet paper, from her workplace shortly before the incident.
