Who is Thomar Simmons? Carlee Russell's boyfriend says nursing student fought 'for her life' during 48-hour abduction
HOOVER, ALABAMA: In a dramatic turn of events, Carlethia "Carlee" Nichole Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student from Alabama who disappeared after stopping to help a wandering toddler, has been found alive. Russell's boyfriend, Thomar Latrell Simmons, said she was kidnapped and that she fought for her life during her two-day ordeal.
Who is Thomar Simmons?
Russell's disappearance on July 13 sparked a frantic multi-state search, culminating in her unexpected return to her parents' home on Saturday night, July 15. Simmons, who was initially falsely accused of involvement in her disappearance, expressed his relief and gratitude for the community's support in finding Russell. He also acknowledged the false allegations against him but maintained his faith throughout the search.
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"I don’t even know how to start off this post but to only say thank you to my lord & savior Jesus Christ for saving my girlfriend’s life!" Simmons wrote online. "Also, thank you to everyone who shared a picture, came out to the Hoover Met to help us with the search parties, & who went & proceeded to tell other people about Carlee to bring more awareness to her story. I have been going nonstop since I received the call that she was missing on Thursday night. I know she would’ve done the same for me, so I wasn’t going to give up until I saw her face again! I was straight tunnel vision, even when I would get on social media on my downtime & see some of the false allegations & assumptions about me having something to do with her abduction would have me discouraged at times, but I didn’t give up & kept my faith!"
He added, "I just want to thank all of my family, friends, former teammates, & church members who called or texted me just to let me know that they’re praying & here for me; you guys don’t know how much that meant to me! 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 has [sic] 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."
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Mysterious disappearance unraveled
New images have surfaced, highlighting the extensive efforts of officers and the public in the search for Russell. The community rallied together to support her family during this distressing time. The Hoover Police Department issued an update, confirming that Russell had returned home on foot and had been released from the hospital after evaluation. Detectives took an initial statement from Russell and indicated that the investigation would continue over the next few days. They also revealed that the toddler Russell had seen was a boy in a diaper.
"At 10:44 PM on July 15th, the Hoover 911 center received a call from Carlee’s residence that she had returned home on foot," a statement read. "Hoover Police and Fire responded to the residence where Carlee was located. She was immediately transported by the Hoover Fire Department to UAB Hospital to be evaluated and was treated and released. Detectives responded to the residence and to UAB to take an initial statement from Carlee. The details of that statement are a part of the ongoing investigation which is expected to continue over the next few days. During the initial portion of the investigation, detectives were able to retrace nearly all of Carlee’s steps until the point she went missing and are confident that will continue to be the case."
Baiting tactics suspected
Russell's parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell, expressed their belief that the child may have been used as bait to lure their daughter from her car on the night of her disappearance, per WVTM-TV. Tearfully promising to "scour the earth" to find her, they were relieved when she arrived at their doorstep on Saturday night, appearing to be in shock. New footage emerged, showing Russell pulling over on the highway after spotting the wandering toddler. She was on a phone call with her brother's girlfriend, informing her that she was checking on the child. A sudden scream was heard before all contact with Russell was lost.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Russell's car with her belongings nearby, but both Russell and the child were missing. Police are now analyzing the footage to piece together the events that transpired after Russell left her vehicle. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis confirmed that Russell's car was present in the video, but she was not found at the scene when officers responded. The investigation remains ongoing, with all possibilities being considered, including the potential for abduction.
A miraculous return
On Saturday night, officials received a phone call notifying them of Russell's return home. Police and fire officials responded, confirming her identity and assessing her at the scene before transporting her to a local hospital. Further details about her condition have not been disclosed, but reports suggest that she was dropped off or arrived on foot. The Hoover Police Department expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the local community and various law enforcement agencies. They continue to seek any information related to the case, urging the public to come forward with even the smallest details.
Russell's mother, Talitha, spoke of her daughter's compassionate nature and her desire to help others. Russell worked part-time at The Woodhouse Day Spa and was pursuing a nursing degree at Jefferson State Community College. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from AUM, per AL. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on unraveling the circumstances surrounding Russell's disappearance and alleged kidnapping.
