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Carlee Russell’s parents are speaking out for the first time since her return. Additionally, they are seemingly confirming that the 25-year-old was abducted. As The Shade Room previously reported, the Alabama woman went missing on July 13 after alerting authorities of a toddler walking on I-495.
Russell’s parents spoke exclusively with NBC News in an interview published Tuesday. During the sitdown, Russell’s mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, explained that she felt “so much joy” upon her daughter’s return on July 15.
However, the family had to refrain from embracing the 25-year-old too much because she was “not in a good state.”
“We tried to hug her as best we could, but I had to stand back because she was not in a good state.”
During the interview, Russell’s parents explained that they could not discuss the exact details of their daughter’s disappearance due to the ongoing police investigation. However, when asked if they believe “there is an abductor still out there,” both parents complied.
“Absolutely… absolutely,” Talitha Robinson-Russell confirmed.
Additionally, Talitha Robinson-Russell explained that her daughter “found her way back” to her parents and “definitely fought for her life.”
“…She definitely fought for her life… There were moments when she physically had to fight for her life and there were moments when she had to mentally fight for her life.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Carlee Russell returned to her family’s home on the evening of Saturday, July 15, after disappearing the evening of Thursday, July 13.
Upon her return, detectives reportedly took an “initial statement” from the 25-year-old, as per NBC News.
“The details of that statement are part of the ongoing investigation which is expected to continue over the next few days.”
Additionally, Hoover police public information officer Keith Czeskleba has since shared some follow-up information with the outlet.
“[The Hoover Police Department has] spoken to Carlee once and are following up on that information, however we are not able to publicly share the details from our initial interview.”
Additionally, it was reported that Russell was taken to UAB Hospital upon her return home. However, her family has since shared that she’s experienced “bad dreams” and “moments where some things make her cringe” or be “afraid.”
“Just different things that trigger,” Carlos Russell told NBC News.
Russell reportedly disappeared after she pulled over while driving on I-495 Thursday evening. The 25-year-old allegedly saw a “toddler walking on the side of the interstate” and phoned police to inform them. After hanging up, Russell approached the child while talking to a family member on the phone.
However, the family member “lost contact” with Russell and allegedly heard screams as the line “remained open.”
