The Hoover Police Department has provided some updates on the case of Carlee Russell — a 25-year-old Alabama woman who went missing for two days before mysteriously turning up at her parent’s home on Saturday night.
RELATED: (WATCH) Carlee Russell’s Parents Speak Out For The First Time Since Her Return: ‘She Definitely Fought For Her Life’
No Immediate Evidence Of Toddler On Side Of Highway Beyond Carlee’s 911 Call, Police Say
Investigators say there isn’t any immediate evidence that a toddler was walking down Interstate 459 beyond Carlee’s 911 call, according to a press release sent out Tuesday (Jul. 19) night, as tweeted by WVTM-13’s Mattie Davis.
“The Hoover Police Department has not located any evidence of a toddler walking down the interstate, nor did we receive any additional calls about a toddler walking down the interstate, despite numerous vehicles passing through that area as depicted by the traffic camera surveillance video,” per the press release.
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Police officers say they arrived within five minutes of receiving Carlee’s call. Authorities reportedly found Russell’s wig, cellphone, and purse with an Apple Watch inside along the highway.
However, they have obtained no evidence of a toddler at or near the scene at this time.
BREAKING: Alabama police say they have not found any evidence to back up the claim of a child wandering along I-459 the night 25-year old Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell vanished after she called 911.
“The Hoover Police Department has not located any evidence of a toddler… pic.twitter.com/PuC5KMPXi4
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) July 19, 2023
The department said it was “not (previously) in a position to reveal all of the information” they have gathered, the press release states.
However, it added they can now share new details that were not “previously discussed.”
Carlee Seen “Walking Down The Sidewalk Alone” On Surveillance Footage, Police Say
The department’s statement also contradicts initial reports that Carlee was “unresponsive.” Tuesday’s press release states she was “conscious and speaking” as authorities transported her to an area hospital.
Police revealed that Carlee was seen “walking down the sidewalk alone” on CCTV footage taken from her neighborhood.
They also said she had purchased snacks from a Target on Highway 280 before her disappearance on Thursday (Jul. 13).
However, those items were not located at the scene of her disappearance.
Police Say Investigation Is Ongoing, “Numerous Evidentiary Items” Still Being Evaluated
However, authorities added the investigation remains ongoing and that “numerous evidentiary items are still being evaluated.”
“Numerous evidentiary items are still being evaluated, and those items are key in the process of determining exactly what took place in the approximately 49 hours Carlee was missing, but also what took place prior to her disappearance,” police said in the statement.
It’s important to note that police also said they couldn’t determine whether Russell was alone in the moments leading to her disappearance.
Authorities Stress “There Are Numerous Rumors And Misinformation” Making The Rounds Online
Hoover Police officials also acknowledged “numerous rumors and misinformation” swirling around the case online, adding, “we must maintain the integrity of the case.”
“We understand there are numerous rumors and misinformation making the rounds in both social media and traditional media. While we understand the public interest in this incident, we must maintain the integrity of the case.”
Meanwhile, a press conference on the case is scheduled for Wednesday (Jul. 19) afternoon.
Latest press release from Hoover Police Department on the disappearance of Carlee Russell. #CarleeRussell pic.twitter.com/EzMjgBRW8x
— Mattie Davis WVTM 13 (@MattieWVTM13) July 19, 2023
Carlee’s Parents Claim Daughter Was Abducted, Say She “Fought For Her Life”
Carlee’s parents have since come out to say their daughter was abducted and that she “fought for her life” to get back to safety, as previously reported by The Shade Room.
Her parents believe “there is an abductor still out there.”
This is a developing story. Be sure to check back in with The Shade Room for more updates as they come.
