Cierra Lemott 
Recently, Carlee Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student, made national headlines when she was reported missing by her family. When driving on the interstate in Alabama, she allegedly saw a toddler walking near the road and called police and a family member. When police arrived at the scene, Russell was nowhere to be found.
Two days later, Russell suddenly returned home on foot leaving many with more questions than answers. What happened to Russell for the 48 hours she was missing?
According to Nick Derzis, Hoover Police Chief, Russell informed detectives that she was kidnapped by a man with orange hair and a woman she was unable to see, reports NPR. She also mentioned that nude photos were taken of her. Russell later was able to escape and return home.
Many are skeptical that Russell’s story isn’t adding up, especially after her recent search history was uncovered.
Russell made searches relating to whether or not one has to pay for an Amber Alert two days prior to her going missing. The day that she went missing, she searched about the movie Taken, which is about abduction. She also made searches about a bus station 10 miles from the city she was in.
This situation just makes it more difficult for Black women and girls to be believed when it comes to things such as going missing or abductions. There are so many Black women and girls that go missing each day in the United States and across the world but this situation makes people skeptical to believe these incidents and be willing to do something to help.
The moment when #BlackTwitter found out that #CarleeRussell wasn't being forthcoming with her stories about being abducted. pic.twitter.com/yWECuZA980
— #TheResistance (@BoneKnightmare) July 20, 2023
If it does turn out that Russell was lying, she should be made to face punishment for her actions. If she was telling the truth, the internet owes her a huge apology. The nation has gone from being deeply concerned about Russell and her case to publicly clowning her with comments and memes. But how will we know if Russell’s story is true? Will she be made to take a lie detector test or will the authorities simply take her at her word?
What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think Russell was fabricating information or telling the truth? If she is lying, what is the punishment that fits the crime? Hit me up and let me know.
By Cierra Lemott, Senior, Columbia College Chicago
Instagram: @cece.kodak / @kodakscamera
Twitter: @LemottCierra
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