Evidence does not support many details of Carlee Russell and her family’s account of her disappearance on July 13, Hoover, Alabama, police said in a news conference Friday.
Russell’s disappearance made worldwide headlines after she called 911 the night of July 13, saying that she had seen a toddler in a diaper walking on the side of a busy highway. In a call to her relatives moments later, her mother said they heard her scream before going silent.
When police arrived minutes later, Russell’s car was still running but she was gone. Police found her belongings, including a purse, cellphone and a wig, in and near the car. They did not see a child, nor was one reported missing by anyone else.
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After a massive nationwide search, Russell returned home on foot 48 hours later. She was transported to a hospital, treated and released. Police today said that Russell told them an elaborate story about being abducted by a couple that night, but they could not find evidence to support her story.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed that Russell had taken a bathrobe and toilet paper from her employer and bought snacks from Target, none of which were found in or near her car. They also said that internet searches made in the days leading up to her disappearance included questions about Amber alerts,“how to take money from a register without being caught,” “Birmingham bus station,” and the movie “Taken.”
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