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On July 13, 2023, an Alabama nursing student faked her own kidnapping. One year later, Carlethia “Carlee” Russell breaks her silence about the incident.
Russell called 911 and reported seeing a toddler walking down the highway alone in Hoover, Alabama. When police arrived at the scene, only Russell’s car, wig, purse, and cell phone were there. Over the next 49 hours, Russell’s photos were shared in hopes of locating her. She then showed up at her parent’s front door, telling police she’d been kidnapped and held hostage by a man and woman.
The 27-year-old posted an update about where she finds herself a year later on her private Instagram for her birthday.
“I wasn’t going to make a birthday post, but I would be remiss not to publicly acknowledge the goodness God has shown to me,” she wrote on July 22, 2024, per E! News. “He not only allowed me to see another year, but he changed the trajectory of my life from the negative place I was in this time last year.”
“To those who have been there for me, your kindness and support have meant the world to me,” she continued. “Whether it was a text, call, direct message on social media, post, prayer, thoughtful gift, or words of encouragement, nothing was too little and each helped me to fight to live another day. Thank you sincerely for helping me find the light in the darkest of moments.”
Hoover Municipal Judge Brad Bishop found her guilty based on the recommendation of state prosecutors on October 11, 2023, and sentenced her to a year in the Jefferson County jail. Her legal team appealed the decision to the circuit court.
Russell was sentenced on March 21, 2024, pleading guilty to two counts of filing a false police report, according to NBC News. She received 12 months of probation and was ordered to pay nearly $18,000 in restitution and fulfill 100 hours of community service.
“I made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress,” AL.com reports. “I absolutely regret my decision and in hindsight wish I had cried for help in a totally different manner. My prayer is that I will be extended grace and be given the opportunity to redeem who I truly am and restore the positively esteemed character that I have worked so hard to obtain for the 25 years of my life prior to this incident.”
“The work is not finished yet,” Russell added on her Instagram post, “but as I step into this next year of life, I am filled with hope and optimism toward continuing to overcome challenges, cherishing those who cherish me, and embracing the future and God’s plan for my life with an open heart and mind.”
As Carlee Russell breaks her silence, it’s clear that she’s had time to reflect on a difficult time in her life and is taking steps to grow and move forward.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat.