Carlee Russell’s parents have disclosed that their 25-year-old daughter “fought for her life” after she went missing after stopping on the interstate to help a child.
On the TODAY show, Talita Robinson-Russell and Carlos Russell briefly discussed their daughter’s return home Saturday.
Although they couldn’t disclose many details about Carlee’s account due to the ongoing investigation, the Russells firmly believe that their daughter was “absolutely” abducted, and they are convinced that the perpetrator responsible is still at large.
“Carlee has given detectives her statement so they can continue to pursue her abductor,” Robinson-Russell said.
Her parents revealed, “There were moments she had to physically fight for her life, and there were moments she had to mentally fight for her life.”
The family also addressed doubts and speculation from strangers regarding the case and urged them to respect their privacy and let the investigation continue without interference.
“She’s having to deal with the trauma with people making false allegations about her,” Robinson-Russell said.
Thomar Latrell Simmons, Russell’s boyfriend, has also weighed in on the speculations surrounding her disappearance on Facebook.
“She was literally fighting for her life for 48 hours, so until she’s physically and mentally stable again, she is not able to give any updates or whereabouts on her kidnapper at this very moment,” he wrote.
