Investigators in Alabama are becoming more skeptical of Carlee Russell’s kidnapping story, zeroing in on the alleged missing toddler.
New details are emerging about the nursing student’s July 13th disappearance. Police held a press conference today, where they disclosed Russell’s movements before she went missing. Online history showed that she looked up the movie “Taken” and multiple topics related to the maximum age for an Amber Alert while at work. Russell also searched for a one-way bus ticket and ways to take money from a cash register without being detected. When she returned home, she was found with hundreds of dollars tucked inside her sock.
The young woman left her workplace shortly after 8:00 p.m. and was seen concealing toilet paper and other goods from her job. Police say she then went to a nearby Target store to purchase several snack items before grabbing dinner from a Taziki restaurant. Once she began her commute, Russell phoned 911 call, reporting that she witnessed a white boy walking alone. She said she did not see any injuries and was instructed to keep an eye on him until deputies arrived.
After hanging up with emergency operators, Russell called her brother’s girlfriend to let her know that she was stopping check on the youngster. Russell was heard asking if someone was okay before screaming. In her only interview with police, Russell told detectives that a man came out of the woods and told her he was checking on a baby before dragging her into the trees and into an 18-wheeler. Russell was able to get away before being pulled back into the vehicle and transported to a residence, where she was held. While in captivity, Russell said that the kidnappers fed her crackers, and the female abductor played with her hair. She ultimately escaped for good, but investigators are now concerned about Russell’s internet search history from work. Police say no charges are expected at this time.
Russell has not yet spoken to the public.
