Reward For Missing Nursing Student Carlee Russell Doubled

The reward for missing Alabama nursing student Carlee Russell has been increased to $50,000.

Keller Williams Realty Inc. announced in a Facebook post that an additional $25,000 would be offered for Russell’s safe return. That is in addition to the $25,000 reported by al.com, including $5,000 from CrimeStoppers and $20,000 from an anonymous donor. 

“Our people stand together to support Keller Williams agent Talitha Robinson-Russell and her family in the fight to bring their 25-year-old daughter home safely,” the post read.

According to police, the 25-year-old stopped on I-459 around mile marker 11 after witnessing a toddler walking near the road just after 9:30 p.m. Russell called 911 and a family member to report what she saw, stopping to check on the child.

While still on the phone with the family member identified as her brother’s girlfriend, she began screaming. Contact was lost with Russell, but the line remained open, and traffic sounds could be heard in the background.

“My son’s girlfriend heard her asking the child, ‘Are you OK? She never heard the child say anything, but then she heard our daughter scream,’’ her mother, Talitha Russell, told al.com. “All you hear on her phone is background noise from the interstate.”

Officers arrived within minutes since they were already en route to the location. Russell’s red Mercedes and some of her belongings were found at the scene, but there was no sign of her or a child. Hoover Police received no other calls reporting a missing child or toddler on the highway.

Russell was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, and white Nike sneakers. The young woman is described as 5’4” and weighing approximately 150 to 160 pounds.  

Lt. Daniel Lowe said during a press conference that the department is continuing to follow up on all leads and exploring all possibilities. Numerous tips have been received, and each one is assigned to an investigator.

“Everything we have at the Hoover Police Department, in addition to our partners, is involved in this investigation right now,” he said.