HOOVER, ALABAMA: The case of Carlee Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, has taken a controversial turn as suspicions surrounding her kidnapping claims grow. The disappearance and subsequent reappearance of Russell have left many questioning the veracity of her story, leading to increased online harassment and rampant speculation. However, her boyfriend Thomar Latrell Simmons has pleaded for people to stop bullying her, emphasizing the importance of mental health and empathy.
Is Carlee Russell being bullied?
Simmons, in an interview with the New York Post on July 22, made an earnest plea to the public, saying, "The only thing I can say is, I want everyone to stop bullying her. I know what it seems like what she did. Just stop bullying on social media. Think about her mental health. She doesn't deserve that. She doesn't. Nobody deserves to be cyberbullied." Initially, when Russell vanished, Simmons actively sought information and support on social media, but he has since deleted all posts related to her disappearance and even unfollowed her on social media. This shift in his behavior has only added to the suspicions surrounding the case.
Russell's disappearance occurred on July 13 when she reported to 911 that she had seen a child dressed in a t-shirt and diaper wandering along the busy Interstate 459 in Hoover. She claimed that she decided to remain at the side of the highway until authorities arrived. However, when they reached the scene, her red Mercedes-Benz, cell phone, and wig were found inside the car, but Russell and the child were missing. She reappeared at her home two days later, asserting that she had been abducted and held captive. Still, law enforcement officials are raising doubts about the accuracy of her account and have reported that she has refused further interviews.
Wig experts speak out
The conversation surrounding Russell's disappearance has been dominated by discussions about her wig, both online and offline. In her hometown, particularly among the black community, suspicions arose even before the police released her browser history and cell phone records. Several hair stylists, wig experts, and salon patrons expressed their skepticism, claiming that the wig seemed to play a pivotal role in changing public perception. Hairstylist Kyra Joyner, 23, from Hoover, told the Post, "First of all, your wig is going to be secure. Second, if somebody's taking you, they're going to try to cause the least attention they can. If people see a wig on the side of the road— People call the police when they see mannequin heads hanging out the side of our cars."
Andrea Townsend, a salon patron from Helena, echoed the sentiments of many in the community, emphasizing that it's unthinkable for a black woman to leave her wig behind in her car. "When it happened, we were in shock. But once we saw the wig, just to know that wig was left behind— we don't do that. We don't do that," she told the newspaper. "My husband and I were talking about it. He's a police officer. He immediately thought something doesn't sound right." Martha Harton, a nurse from Fayette, expressed how the wig played a significant role in convincing many that Russell might not be telling the truth. "A black woman's hair is her glory. There are three things a black woman has that you don't mess with: Her kids, her money, and her hair. That's what gave her away," she said.
Ongoing investigation
Amidst the growing speculation and public attention, the Hoover Police Department's public information officer, Keith Czeskleba, assured the public that an investigation into the case is ongoing. Czeskleba told USA Today, "We have not begun to count the number of hours and resources dedicated to this case–both from our agency and partner agencies as well. I cannot recall a missing person case like this in my time here – certainly not of this magnitude."
