Carlee Russell: Mystery of the Woman who Vanished on Alabama Interstate

Around 9:30 p.m., Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell made a call to 911 in Hoover, Alabama.

Following the call, she also spoke to a family member and mentioned that she had witnessed a child walking along the side of Interstate 459 South, specifically near Mile Marker 11.

VIDEO: Desperate search for Carlee Russell

A video captured by the traffic camera, obtained by FOX affiliate WBRC, provides a significant glimpse into the events surrounding Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell’s actions.

In the footage, Russell’s vehicle can be seen from a distance, safely pulled over to the side of the road, with its hazard lights activated.

According to Carlee’s mother, Talitha Russell, her daughter was engaged in a phone conversation with a family member when she decided to stop and investigate the situation involving the child.

Talitha recounted that her daughter-in-law, who was on the call, overheard Carlee asking if the child was alright. However, there was no audible response from the child, or at least it was not discernible to Carlee’s family member.

Suddenly, amidst the unfolding scene, Carlee’s piercing scream reverberated through the phone line.

While the family tragically lost contact with Carlee Russell, the phone line remained open, leaving an unsettling sense of uncertainty and concern in the air.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement officers at the designated location, they discovered Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell’s red Mercedes still running along the roadside. However, there were no traces of the woman or the child she had stopped to assist.

Talitha Russell, Carlee’s mother, revealed that her daughter’s car door was left ajar, and items such as her wig, hat, and cell phone had been found.

Inside the vehicle, Carlee’s purse remained, housing her Apple Watch and AirPods.

To potentially uncover any leads or clues regarding Carlee’s disappearance, the phone found at the scene is undergoing a meticulous forensic examination.

Thus far, no reports of missing children have been received from the area, further deepening the mystery.

During a press conference, Hoover Police Lieutenant Daniel Lowe disclosed that a witness had come forward, reporting the presence of a man standing near Carlee’s vehicle shortly before the officers’ arrival.

The witness described a gray vehicle and a male with a light complexion, adding another element for investigators to consider as they piece together the unfolding events.

Carlee Russell is described as a person who stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches and weighs approximately 150 to 160 pounds.

During her last sighting, she was wearing a black shirt, black pants, and black tennis shoes.

On the day of her disappearance, Russell finished her work around 8:20 p.m. at a business located in The Summit area of Birmingham.

Afterward, she reportedly picked up some food and began driving towards Hoover, where she resided with her parents.

Prior to her disappearance, Russell visited Harpersville, a town in Alabama.

Officials reported that she had a brief interaction with members of the local police department. The Harpersville Police Department expressed their admiration for Russell, describing her as a smart, courteous, and honorable young woman.

They highlighted her respectful demeanor, positive attitude, and her aspirations to become a nursing student and make a difference in helping others.

The news of Carlee Russell’s disappearance deeply saddened the Harpersville Police Department, reflecting the impact she had made on them during her visit.

Their heartfelt message on Facebook expressed their admiration for her character and their hope for more individuals like her in the world.