When Carlee Russell first made national news, many throughout the state and the country, thought that she had been mysteriously abducted on the side of an Alabama highway near Hoover. As days and weeks went by, Hoover Police along with other law enforcement agencies in the state franticly searched the area for Russell with no success.
To the shock and consternation of many, however, it was eventually revealed by Russell that she had in fact faked her own kidnapping.
RELATED: Carlee Russell attorney: ‘There was no kidnapping’
The saga that was the search and Russell herself drew so much attention that she was the seventh-highest trending person on all of Google for 2023 in the U.S.
That list included well known celebrities, athletes, entertainers, and politicians.
Russell’s lawyer issued a statement after her admission of guilt.
“My client did not have help in this incident, that this was a single act done by herself,” the lawyer stated. “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 as to her friends and family.”
RELATED: Carlee Russell looking at a year in jail, should have pleaded guilty
Russell was found guilty of false kidnapping and ordered to spend a year in jail and pay a $18,000 fine. She is currently appealing the verdict.
Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills player who suffered a cardiac episode mid-game, was the most searched person on Google in the U.S. for 2023.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.