During her commute, astatine astir 9:34 p.m. connected July 13, according to a press release shared by authorities, Russell called some 911 and a household subordinate to study spotting a kid unsocial connected the interstate. However, erstwhile constabulary arrived, they recovered Russell's vehicle and immoderate of her belongings adjacent to her car—but determination was nary hint of her, nor immoderate child. Authorities besides confirmed they person not received immoderate different calls involving a missing toddler.

"A azygous witnesser has reported perchance seeing a grey conveyance with a light-complected antheral lasting extracurricular of Carlee's vehicle," Lt. Daniel Lowe stated successful the release. "But we person nary further accusation connected that idiosyncratic oregon the conveyance astatine this time."

At the time, constabulary said an anonymous donor offered up a $20,000 reward successful the case, with Crimestoppers adding an further $5,000.

Shortly aft Russell's return, household members and friends took to societal media to stock their relief, portion asking for privateness during this time. This includes Russell's fellow Thomar Simmons, who thanked those who helped successful the hunt to find his woman connected societal media.

"All I asked from everyone close present is to beryllium respectful of Carlee's situation," helium wrote successful a station shared to Instagram. "She was virtually warring for her beingness for 48 hours, truthful until she's physically & mentally unchangeable again she is not capable to springiness immoderate updates oregon whereabouts connected her kidnapper astatine this precise moment."

Simmons concluded his enactment with gratitude, writing, "Once again I can't convey you guys capable for helping america bring Carlee home! God bless you all."

The probe remains ongoing.

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