The search for football coach Travis Turner remains active, and so do the questions.
Leslie Turner/Facebook
Turner, a high school football coach in Wise, Virginia, has been missing since Nov. 20. Authorities announced felony charges against the 46-year-old days later, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. He disappeared the same day investigators were planning to question him at his home.
Since then, local, state and federal agencies have been involved in the manhunt, including the Virginia State Police, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI. Turner is now classified as a fugitive from justice. Officials say he was last seen leaving his residence with a firearm and have warned he may be armed and dangerous.
Virginia State Police said Friday there are no updates and that Turner remains missing, nearly a month after he vanished. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his apprehension, and authorities continue to ask the public for tips.
Courtesy WCYB
The case has drawn widespread attention, along with growing speculation online. That has led to questions about why court records tied to the charges remain sealed.
Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brett Hall addressed that this week, explaining that Virginia law allows prosecutors to withhold records tied to ongoing investigations. According to Hall, releasing information at this stage could interfere with the case, compromise a fair trial, or invade the privacy of alleged victims. For now, no additional details will be made public.
Turner’s family has publicly urged him to come forward. Through an attorney, his wife asked him to contact authorities and face the allegations, saying the family is distressed and wants him home.
Wise County Schools has removed Turner’s name from its website and declined further comment.
