Current:Home > StocksCarlee Russell Breaks Silence One Year After Kidnapping Hoax -OceanicInvest
Carlee Russell Breaks Silence One Year After Kidnapping Hoax
View
Date:2025-04-14 22:01:50
Carlee Russell is speaking out.
The Alabama woman who was charged in July 2023 for faking her own kidnapping returned to Instagram for her 27th birthday, sharing an update on how she's grown over the last year.
"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 July 22. "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—who called 911 to report seeing an unaccompanied child by the side of the road last summer, but vanished when police arrived minutes later—said that her inner circle has helped her navigate the aftermath of her scandal.
"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."
The nursing student also acknowledged that she wants to keep working on herself.
"The work is not finished yet," Russell added, "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."
Last summer, Russell's case captivated the nation when she returned home 49 hours after mysteriously disappearing from a highway in Hoover, Ala. While she initially told investigators that she had been taken by a woman and a man with orange hair, police were not able to verify details of her story.
Russell later admitted to making up the kidnapping hoax.
"There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13, 2023," her lawyer said in a statement to E! News later that month. "My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person."
The attorney noted that the disappearance "was a single act done by herself," adding, "My client was not with anyone or any hotel with anyone from the time she was missing. My client apologizes for her actions to this community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police department and other agencies as well, [and] to her friends and family."
In March 2024, Russell pled 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.
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (66922)
Related
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Taylor Swift marks 100th show of Eras Tour: 'Feels truly deranged to say'
- Vermont man sentenced to 25 years in prison for kidnapping woman and son outside of a mall
- Ralph Lauren goes with basic blue jeans for Team USA’s opening Olympic ceremony uniforms
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- 2024 College World Series live: Updates, score and more for Florida vs. NC State
- “Fortunate” Céline Dion Shares Sweet Onstage Moment With Son René-Charles at Documentary Premiere
- What College World Series games are on Tuesday? Two teams will be eliminated
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Ryan Murphy heads to third Olympics after trials win in 100 back
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Vermont man sentenced to 25 years in prison for kidnapping woman and son outside of a mall
- Reggaeton Singer Don Omar Shares Cancer Diagnosis
- 'Modern Family' stars reunite in WhatsApp ad discussing blue vs. green text bubble users
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- What’s a heat dome? Here’s why so much of the US is broiling this week
- McDonald's ends AI drive-thru orders — for now
- Carrie Underwood's home catches fire from off-road vehicle
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Sprint great Michael Johnson launching ‘Grand Slam Track’ league with $100K first prizes
'Middle of the Night' review: Childhood disappearance, grief haunt Riley Sager's new book
Joe Alwyn Addresses Theory He Inspired Taylor Swift Song “The Black Dog”
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Wildfires force New Mexico village of Ruidoso to evacuate homes: See map
MLB power rankings: Red-hot Orioles have showdown vs. No. 1 Yankees ... and Gerrit Cole
Regret claiming Social Security early? This little-known move could boost checks up to 28%