10/12/2025
⚠️Appalachia, VA manhunt for TRAVIS TURNER⚠️ ✴️UPDATE 1️⃣2️⃣/1️⃣5️⃣
🟡Visited the Appalachia area a few days ago.
The local community appears divided in their views on Turner.
From the conversations I had with a handful of residents, those who attended school with him tend to believe he's been wrongly targeted or framed. They keep their thoughts fairly private and low-key.
🟡Younger residents, however, seem convinced that he's guilty of the allegations against him. They're more outspoken about it.
A couple mentioned hearing a rumor that one of the underage females is 2 months pregnant.
🟡Saw 2 U.S. Marshals at a local diner, but they were just eating—no sign of active operations. Overall, there's little visible evidence of an intense manhunt in progress.
🟡There were several unmarked vehicles that clearly belonged to law enforcement parked near the old high school, which seems to serve as their main staging point. Locals are well aware of the activity there.
🟡I drove past his residence to better understand the location where he was last seen. The house sits at the end of a dirt road full of potholes, with neighboring homes roughly a football field's distance away on each side.
Behind the property runs the Powell River, which is shallow—about ankle-deep in spots, though it varies and gets deeper toward Norton.
The surrounding woods behind the house are sparse and open, without much dense cover.
🟡Railroad tracks also pass directly behind the house.
Given the visibility, I doubt he could have entered the woods in that direction without being noticed quickly. They also go right into the town.
I think he headed into the woods across the road, slightly uphill from the front of the house.
There's a two-door garage/outbuilding across from his property—I'm not sure if it's commercial or private, but it has visible security cameras.
🟡The woods there extend toward more railroad tracks and in the direction of Norton.
That seems like a more likely route for his last known movements, rather than directly behind the house.
🟡Along the Powell River and the tracks running toward Appalachia and Big Stone Gap, there are numerous abandoned and rundown buildings.
Homes in the area are spaced about half a mile apart, many with barns and outbuildings.
There are plenty of potential spots where someone could take shelter from the cold.
🟡Everyone seems to agree that he is deceased.
Only 1 person I talked to thinks he's still hiding and surviving.
🔹If you have something to add and don't want to publicly comment you can message me. I never share any messages or names of people I speak to.
THE BEGINING
🔺1️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣
🔹Turner,46, is contacted by authorities but was not arrested.
🔹Law Enforcement is in possession of Turner's phone.
🟡Not sure if they seized the device via warrant or if it was given with consent.
🔹Virginia State Police send special agents to Turner's residence in Appalachia on the evening of November 20 as part of the early stages of their investigation—not to make an arrest.
🔹However, agents were informed that Turner was no longer at the location while they were in transit.
🔹Turner was last confirmed seen at 830am leaving his house on foot.
🔹He went to a friend's house & got a rifle. They didn't know about the accusations at that time.
🔹They contacted him once they knew. He stated he was walking on the train tracks toward Norton, and was close to a reactor.
🔹His phone dropped the call, possibly because the battery died.
🔹Law Enforcement received the info while they were searching.
🔹The 2 friends were also in the woods searching for him. LE & the 2 friends made contact in the woods.
🔹The agents that were going to question Turner didn't know that Turner was "missing" until they started driving to his home.
🔹LE informed them that Turner was not at his home.
🔹Wise County Schools Superintendent Mike Goforth issues the following statement:
“A staff member has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to us. This is standard procedure and is not a determination of wrongdoing. The division cannot comment further.”
🔹VSP begins searching for Turner.
🔹Jason Day with VSP said they have focused their search on the general location of Turner’s house.
“We have had the drones up in the air looking, searching. We tried to get the state police aviation, but they were unable to fly yesterday because of the weather. We’ve had K-9 units, bloodhounds from local sheriff’s office here and Wise County police dogs into the woods searching, you know, the local area of last known place where Mr. Turner may have been or had been seen.”
🔺1️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣1️⃣
🔹Rumors are circulating that Turner was found deceased. He was not.
🔹 Investigators are not releasing any information about the case.
🔹A few sources reached out and said that there are accusations from 2 minor females at Union High regarding Turner.
🔹Sources also stated that 2 minor females allegedly attempted to engage in inappropriate relations with Turner and when he rejected their advances they said they were going to ruin his life.
🔹NEITHER HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED
🔹Turner is not wanted, as of right now.
🔹Law Enforcement is treating this as a missing person case until they can complete their investigation.
🔹The community is pretty torn up about what's happening.
🔺1️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣3️⃣ OFFICIALLY LISTED AS MISSING
🔹Travis Turner has officially been listed as a missing person in the Virginia State Police missing persons database.
The database says Turner was last seen on Thursday November 20th.
The database also says Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and glasses.
🟡My opinion:
Given the limited information provided by law enforcement and after speaking with a few people in the area, I believe the coach screwed up. Not sure how badly he screwed up yet.
Running from law enforcement & causing his wife & kids to worry isn't a good look.
There are rumors that Turner has a firearm with him. I haven't been able to confirm that. (Confirmed true)
If that's true then I think law enforcement is likely on a recovery mission.
I think Law Enforcement showed up at the school to inform the principal and coach that they were officially opening an investigation after receiving allegations.
Not sure if Turner provided his phone willingly or if they had to get a warrant.
Whatever happened that was what set Turner into motion.
He drove home, probably told his wife what was happening.
Not sure how he knew agents were en route to talk to him. (Confirmed He didn't know)
He grabbed a firearm and took off into the woods.
I'm thinking this is a recovery mission at this point.
🔺UPDATE1️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣5️⃣ CHARGES FILED
🔹Virginia State Police filed charges today against Union High School head football coach Travis Turner.
🔹VSP said 10 warrants have been obtained for Turner. Turner is wanted on 5 counts of possession of child po*******hy and 5 counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
🔹Law Enforcement said that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are pending.
🔹Wise County Public Schools released a statement today regarding Turner:
"Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave. The individual remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students. The division will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this process moves forward. Because this is an active legal matter involving personnel, the division cannot comment further."
🔹Attorney Adrian Collins is
representing Turner and also made a statement today:
“I speak today on behalf of Coach Turner’s family. We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time. Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process—not through speculation or rumor. We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family’s privacy. No questions will be taken."
🔺UPDATE1️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣9️⃣ another attorney statement
The attorney representing Travis Turner’s family, Adrian Collins, released a statement today:
"On behalf of the family of Travis Turner, I wish to express their sincere gratitude to all who have shown concern during this difficult time.
The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, November 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm. He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area. At which point, no warrants had been issued for his arrest.
When Travis did not return home that evening, his wife promptly notified local law enforcement. She was advised that a missing-person report could not be taken until at least 24 hours had passed. The following day, she filed a missing-person report with the Virginia State Police. The family has cooperated fully with law-enforcement in their ongoing efforts to locate Travis.
Family members and friends have also conducted search efforts in the surrounding woods. These efforts have been limited by weather conditions and with respect for the official operations underway.
It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law."
🟡🟡FYI There is NOT a waiting period of 24 hours to report a missing person. Age doesn't matter.
This is a myth that, I think, comes from watching TV shows.
For critically missing adults (e.g., those with disabilities, mental illness, or under circumstances posing a threat to their safety): Police must enter the report into state and national databases within 2 hours and start an investigation.
🔺1️⃣2️⃣/4️⃣ ATTORNEY PUTS OUT ANOTHER MESSAGE
🔹The attorney representing Turner’s family, Adrian Collins, put out a message on Wednesday on their behalf:
🔹“The family of Travis Turner continues to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to locate Travis. Their homes and properties have been searched multiple times, with their consent.
While the family's last contact with Travis causes them to have great concern for his well being, they cling to the hope he will be found and afforded the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.
As a recap, with some additional details; Travis was last seen by some of his family as he was walking off into the local woods near his home with a firearm. This was something he had done multiple times throughout the years. When he did not return to his home that evening, his wife out of concern, asked for assistance from law enforcement. As directed, she filed a missing person report the following day with the Virginia State Police.
His wife's concerns were heightened by the following facts: Travis' car and keys were left at home. Travis wore contact lenses by day and glasses in the evenings. Travis' contact lens supplies and glasses were left at home. Travis' wallet, license, cash, and all its contents were left in the home. Travis is prescribed certain daily medications which he needs, those were left in the home. It is not like Travis to disappear or stay away from home.
Criminal charges were not obtained against Travis until days after he failed to return home. He was not a fugitive nor wanted by law enforcement at the time he went missing. His wife was not helping him escape, she was asking for help to find him.
If Travis has the ability and is able to respond to his family's wishes; your wife and children are in distress. Leslie pleads for you to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law. Don't leave your family to fight this battle without you. They love and miss you. They want you to know they are your support.”
Adrian Collins
Attorney at Law
Wise, Virginia
🟡The missing persons report says he had on glasses.
🔺1️⃣2️⃣/5️⃣ VOICEMAIL LEFT FOR FRIEND
🔹Turner left a voice mail for his friend the day he bounced.
The friend was out hunting and didn't have cell service so he didn't hear the message until later that night.
🔹He immediately forwarded the voicemail to attorney Adrian Collins and turned the original phone over to a private forensic examiner hired by the Turners. Early analysis reportedly shows no signs of digital manipulation, though law enforcement has not yet authenticated it publicly.
🔹Here's what it said:
"Hey man… it’s me. If something happens, you gotta tell them this ain’t what they’re saying. I’m being set up. Somebody put that stuff on my laptop and phone. I swear on my kids I never touched anything like that. They’re coming for me today… I can’t let them take me in front of my family. Tell Leslie and the boys I love them. Tell my dad I’m sorry I let him down. I gotta go off-grid for a little while till I can prove it. Pray for me, brother.”
🔹The friend said he played it 10 times thinking he misheard.
“That was Travis scared out of his mind. I’ve known him 40 years. He don’t lie. Not about something like this.”
🟡Turner's father passed away in his sleep in April 2006. Not sure if he has someone else that he calls Dad. I also wonder why he didn't mention his daughter?
🔺1️⃣2️⃣/8️⃣ 3 ALLEGED MINOR FEMALES
🔹Multiple sources are alleging that Turner has engaged in physical relationships with several underage female students.
🔹According to the sources, at least 3 minor females have been identified: 2 members of the cheer squad and 1 member of the girls’ basketball team.
🔹Residents say inappropriate teacher-student boundaries are common in the tight-knit town, with some students having direct access to faculty members’ personal social media accounts and cell phone numbers.
🔹The allegations against Turner first surfaced when one of the victims — who began a physical relationship at age 14 and is now 16 — confided in a close friend.
🔹The girl showed her friend explicit evidence, including photos, text messages, and conversations that openly referenced physical encounters with Turner.
🔹Shocked by what she saw, the friend immediately went home and told her parents everything. The parents reported Turner to authorities the same day.
🔹Multiple sources say Turner's wife found out about a relationship he had with a student several years ago and she confronted the minor female.
🟡EDIT/UPDATE This incident happened when the 2 were just dating and still in high school. This is not recent.
🔺1️⃣2️⃣/1️⃣0️⃣
🟡I wasn't able to 100% confirm what the letter said that was found in Turner's truck so I removed that information, as I said I would.
🔹A Wise County Judge has sealed all files regarding this case.
🟡That's pretty normal considering it involves minor children.
☎️Virginia State Police are asking anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Turner to contact Virginia State Police Division 4 at 276-484-9483
or email [email protected]
Tips can be made anonymously.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D677CbxoS/
Statement from VSP
Virginia State Police
Wise County VA. Sheriff's Office
✴️See original post here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DcX38wbWp/
FB won't let me edit that post with updates so this will be the new post
