“There were other searches on Carlee’s phone that appear to shed some light on her mindset,” the chief said, “but out of respect for her privacy, we will not be releasing the content of those searches at this time.”

While Carlee was talking to the 911 operator, he noted, her phone traveled at least 600 yards, or the length of six football fields.

“I’m not saying it couldn’t happen,” he added. “To think that a toddler, barefoot, that could be 3 or 4 years old, he’s going to travel six football fields without getting in the roadway, without crying…It’s just very hard for me to understand.”

They were still investigating, Derzis concluded, and while authorities hadn’t yet secured a second interview with Carlee, they hoped to soon.

“There are many questions left to be answered,” he said, “but only Carlee can provide those answers.”