Carlee Russell’s now-ex-boyfriend shared a statement to his Instagram account Monday and condemned the 25-year-old’s actions just hours after the Hoover Police Department confirmed her kidnapping was a hoax.
Thomar Latrell Simmons said Russell’s “actions created hurt, confusion and dishonesty” as he and his family defended her during the 49 hours she went missing after the initial report of her kidnapping on July 13.
As Blavity reported, the Hoover Police Department held a news conference Monday evening and released new details in the case.
Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis received a statement from Russell’s attorney, Emory Anthony, stating “there was no kidnapping on July 13,” and no toddler was wandering on the side of the road when she called 911.
“My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident, but this was a single act done by herself,” Anthony wrote, according to AL.com. “My client was not with anyone or at any hotel during the time she was missing.”
The 25-year-old’s alleged kidnapping sparked a nationwide concern, with many believing Russell could have been the victim of a sex-trafficking sting and used a baby to lure her away from her car and abduct her.
Police are unsure why Russell faked her kidnapping or where she was for the two days she went missing.
” I wish I could tell you,” Derzis said, according to AL.com. “I think only Carlee knows, and maybe her attorney knows now.”
Simmons said he and his family are “disgusted” as new details emerged on Monday.
“I was made aware of the false narrative after coming to the defense of my ex Carlee Russell,” Simmons wrote. “Myself and my family’s nature was to react in love and genuine concern. We are disgusted by the outcome of this entire situation. I strongly feel exactly like you all. blindsided by Carlee’s actions.”
He continued: “This is still an ongoing investigation but with all of the recent information and her confession now we gain closure with this situation.”
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Simmons also thanked his “family, friends and the nation” for supporting him. He asked everyone to pray for his family as they move forward.
On Monday, police read an additional statement from Russell’s attorney, with an apology from the 25-year-old as she apologized to the community and everyone who searched for her.
“As for her friends and family, 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,” according to the statement obtained by Today.
Russell isn’t facing any charges at this time. However, Derzis said the department would “announce those charges when, and if, they are filed,” per Blavity.
