Russell and his fiancee, Catherine Nelson, resided in the 7000 block of North 28th Drive in Phoenix, Arizona in early 2002. Russell told a friend that he and Nelson planned to drive to Tucson, Arizona on February 2, 2002 to look at an advertised 2002 Ducati motorcycle. They have never been heard from again. Their loved ones reported them as missing persons on February 4, when they both failed to report for work as scheduled. Russell was employed as a salesman at a medical supply company near Phoenix in 2002.

Nelson and Russell were traveling in their newer model red Ford SVT Lightning F-150 pickup truck with Arizona license plates numbered 274-HBF at the time of their disappearances. A photo of the vehicle is posted below this case summary. The truck was discovered abandoned in the parking lot of Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Tucson on February 7, 2002. Russell's checkbook was located inside the glove compartment. There was no indication of a struggle at the scene and no additional evidence was found inside the vehicle.

Nelson and Russell's family members told authorities that it is uncharacteristic of them to leave without warning. They left their dog unattended inside their house, as they planned to return home during the evening of February 2. Their relatives stated that Nelson and Russell would have placed their pet in a kennel if they expected to stay away for an extended period of time. They are described as having a very stable and loving relationship.

Investigators determined that only two Ducati motorcycles were delivered to Arizona prior to the couple's disappearance. They believe the advertisement was a ruse and Nelson and Russell may have been lured to Tucson for the purposes of a robbery, but little evidence is available to prove any theory. No witnesses have come forward to state that the couple was seen in Tucson on February 2. Foul play is suspected in Nelson and Russell's disappearances.

Above: Nelson and Russell's pickup truck