Do you have to pay for an Amber alert? Carlee Russell Google history sparks online ridicule

The strange case of Carlee Russell's disappearance has piqued the nation's interest, as evinced by netizens, who took to social media to dissect the new details shared by the Hoover Police Department. The incriminating details that also included Russel’s Google search history have sparked online ridicule.

The latest revelations pertaining to the case of Carlee Russell negated her initial statements of supposed abduction. Russell, a 25-year-old Alabama woman went missing for 48 hours last week after calling 911 to report a toddler walking alone on the side of the highway.

Police said that they have not found any evidence to back up the claim of a toddler wandering along I-459, where the nursing student mysteriously vanished after she called 911 on July 13. In addition, police maintained Carlee Russell’s search history prior to her disappearance was suspicious as she had Googled terms that seemingly indicate her story was fabricated.

Carlee Russell’s Google search history has become fodder for online derision as she was caught researching multiple seemingly suspicious terms, that included, “Do you have to pay for an Amber alert?”

Authorities also said that Carlee Russell stole multiple items including toilet paper from her workplace on the night she disappeared.

Netizens mock Carlee Russell's search history in the days leading up to her disappearance

Days after Carlee Russel mysteriously vanished before reappearing at her parent's home on Saturday, July 15, the Hoover police chief detailed a slew of evidence that indicated the 25-year-old might have orchestrated her disappearance.

In a press conference on Wednesday, July 19 police revealed that in the days leading up to her disappearance Russel Googled the following terms:

In the wake of revelations, netizens took to Twitter to mock what they deemed was a ludicrous search history for terms such as “Do you have to pay for an Amber Alert?,” and “the maximum age of an Amber Alert.” A Twitter user commented:

The answer is no, you don't have to pay for an amber alert. Amber alerts are issued by the police for missing children, who are believed to be endangered. Adult women do not qualify.

Several others also derided Russell’s priorities as police revealed that she dropped by Target to pick up snacks before she disappeared. Netizens pointed out that she should have deleted her search history before picking up sustenance for the alleged abduction.

Several others pointed out the sheer folly of Googling a crime before committing it.

As netizens continued to have a field day with Carlee Russell's search history, her family remained resolute in their belief that she was abducted. However, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said that they have not found evidence that corroborated the involvement of an abductor, noting they do not believe the community is in any threat.

It should be noted that police who are waiting to interview Carlee Russell have not charged her with any crime. However, they did note that the evidence does not align with Russell's assertions in the case.

About the author

Anushree is a US Trending News Specialist at Sportskeeda. After completing her Masters in Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media in 2017, Anushree worked with the likes of the Hindu, IBT, Times Internet, and One India for 7 years, covering a wide range of topics as a hardcore journalist and a Features writer.

Before creating content, Anushree does a lot of research, exploring old and new reports from credible sources and cross-checking them alongside other reliable sources from the web. She likes the reporting and researching aspect of her job the most as it allows her to gain insights into things that she wouldn't have known otherwise.

Anushree has also had the privilege of interviewing renowned author and television host Padma Lakshmi for the Hindu in 2017.

After signing off from work, Anushree loves to go on walks and hikes. She also enjoys reading and watching a lot of mass media content, especially reality television.

Know More