She called a family member to say she'd seen a child walking alone on the highway. Her mother heard her scream. Then the line went silent.
The Disappearance
On the evening of July 13, 2023, 25-year-old Carlee "Carlee" Nichole Russell, of Hoover, Alabama, called a family member while driving on Interstate 459 South, reporting she had seen a young child walking alone along the highway. Her mother, Talitha Russell, said a family member could hear Carlee ask if the child was okay before hearing her scream, after which the call went silent, though the line remained connected.
The Scene
When police arrived, they found Russell's car still running on the roadside with its hazard lights on and the driver's door open, but no sign of Russell or the child she had described. Her wig, hat, and cell phone were found nearby; her purse, containing her Apple Watch and AirPods, remained inside the vehicle. Investigators said no reports of a missing child matched the description Russell had given.
A Possible Witness
Police said a witness reported seeing a gray vehicle and a light-complexioned man standing near Russell's car shortly before officers arrived, though this lead's connection to the case was never confirmed.
Community Response
Russell, a nursing student at Jefferson State Community College, was remembered by local police in nearby Harpersville, where she had interacted with officers earlier that day, as poised and community-minded. Her disappearance prompted a significant public search effort and reward offers totaling $30,000.
Editorial Note on Case Status
This entry reflects the case during the active search. Please confirm and add the eventual resolution and outcome before publishing, as this case reportedly developed significantly in the weeks following the initial disappearance.
FAQ
Was the child Carlee Russell reported seeing ever identified?
No. Investigators found no missing child reports matching her description.
How was Carlee Russell's case eventually resolved?
This should be confirmed with current reporting before publishing.
What did Carlee Russell do for work or school?
She was a student at Jefferson State Community College pursuing a nursing career.