Carlee Russell disappearance hoax

She then called a family member to report the same situation, before losing contact with them, with the line remaining open.

[6] Russell appeared at her parents' house 49 hours later, on July 15, and was taken to hospital where she was briefly questioned by police.

[7] She claimed to have been undressed and photographed while blindfolded, though not bound at the wrists to avoid causing ligature marks, and said that she escaped again, eventually returning home.

My client apologizes for her actions to the community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies, as well as to her friends and family.

[16] In March 2024, Russell pled guilty to two counts of filing false police reports and was sentenced to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service.

[4] After pleading guilty, Russell stated that she "made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress" and portrayed her actions as a cry for help.