25 July 2023 , 13:48
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The boyfriend of Carlee Russell, who claimed she had been abducted earlier this month, has said he was "disgusted" and "blindsided" by her lies.
Russell claimed she was abducted earlier this month after she returned home following a frantic search for her that lasted over two days.
Thomar Simmons said his girlfriend had "created hurt, confusion and dishonesty" and said the pair were no longer together.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Thomar said: "I was made aware of the false narrative after coming to the defence of my ex Carlee Russell. Myself and my family's nature was to react in love and genuine concern.
"We are disgusted [from] the outcome of this entire situation.
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"I strongly feel exactly like you all, blindsided with Carlee's actions."
Thomar had previously said Carlee had been left "literally fighting for her life."
Thomar's statement on Instagram (Instagram)In the wake of her disappearance, he said: "All I asked from everyone right now is to be respectful of Carlee's situation. She was literally fighting for her life for 48 hours, so until she’s physically & mentally stable again she is not able to give any updates or whereabouts on her kidnapper at this very moment.
"I also want to thank the people on social media who have been understanding & respectful about what she’s been through in these past few days. Once again I can’t thank you guys enough for helping us bring Carlee home! God bless you all."
Carlee disappeared on July 13 following a call to 911 saying she had seen a toddler wandering alone on a stretch of interstate in Alabama. When she returned, she told police she had been abducted and forced inside a vehicle.
The moment Carlee Russell's care pulled over (Youtube/aldotcom)Police later began to cast doubt on the story and told the public there was no evidence of a missing toddler.
Russell told detectives she was taken by a man who came out of the trees when she stopped to check on the child, put her in a car and an 18-wheel truck, blindfolded her and held her at a home where a woman fed her cheese crackers, authorities said at a news conference last week. At some point, Carlee Russell said she was put in a vehicle again but managed to escape and run through the woods to her neighbourhood.
Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis said Carlee Russell's attorney, Emory Anthony, provided a statement on Monday saying there was no kidnapping.
Police questioned Carlee's version of events (WFLA)"There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13. My client did not see a baby on the side on the road," the statement read, according to Derzis, who read it at a news conference.
She did not leave the city, and acted alone, the statement added.
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“My client apologises 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," Anthony said in a statement. "We ask for your prayers for Carlee, as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, understanding that she made a mistake in this matter. Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers.”