Carlee Russell is speaking out for the first time since her viral 2023 kidnapping hoax that shocked the world. On July 27, the nursing student took to Instagram in honor of her 27th birthday, reflecting on her growth since she pled guilty to faking her kidnapping.
“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,” Russell penned, according to 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.”
Russell’s mysterious case unfolded on July 13, 2023, when she dialed 911 in a panic, reporting a baby crawling near an Alabama highway. Law enforcement quickly located her deserted car, wig, cell phone, and purse, but Russell and any sign of the infant were conspicuously absent.
Following an extensive two-day search involving numerous officers and volunteers, Russell reemerged at her parent’s residence, leaving authorities and the world baffled by her whereabouts during the 49-hour period she was missing. Initially alleging abduction by a white man with orange hair, her story began to unravel as inconsistencies surfaced.
Carlee Russell searched for details about kidnapping before her disappearance.
Subsequent investigations revealed troubling details: Russell had searched online about kidnapping and AMBER Alerts in the days leading up to her disappearance. Furthermore, her claim of spotting a baby by the roadside was disproven, adding further complexity to the case.
In her Instagram post, Russell thanked her close friends and family for sticking beside her during her bizarre hoax that shocked the nation.
“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 fight to live another day. Thank you sincerely for helping me find the light in the darkest of moments.”
The 27-year-old added that she would continue working on her personal and spiritual goals to improve herself. “The work is not finished yet, 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.”
What happened to Carlee Russell’s case?
During her court appearance, Russell tearfully confessed to fabricating the abduction and expressed remorse for the anxiety and concern she caused. Jefferson County Judge David Carpenter opted not to impose jail time on Russell. Instead, she received a sentence of one year of probation, mandatory community service, and mandated mental health counseling. Additionally, she was ordered to pay nearly $18,000 in restitution to the city of Hoover.
Social media users shared their thoughts about Russell’s post on X shortly after the news broke. Many offered little to no sympathy for the nursing student, who said she was experiencing “emotional issues and stress” at the time of the incident, CNN reported. One user penned that they were still curious as to why she faked her entire kidnapping.
Check out some of the reactions below.
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