Travis Turner, 46, head coach of Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, has been missing since 20 November. He was last seen walking into a wooded area with a firearm, according to a statement from his family's attorney, Adrian Collins.
Turner left his home in Appalachia, a town of fewer than 2,000 residents, and failed to return that evening. His wife contacted local law enforcement but was told to wait 24 hours before filing a missing-person report, which she submitted to Virginia State Police the following day.
Five days after his disappearance, authorities announced ten warrants charging Turner with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Additional charges are expected, and he is now considered a fugitive.
Police said investigators had visited Turner's home on 20 November to speak with him as part of an early-stage investigation and were not seeking to arrest him at that time. Turner's wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, denied the allegations, telling The Daily Mail: 'None of that is true. He's a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home.'
Virginia State Police have launched an extensive search across Wise County, using drones, K-9 teams, and ground crews. Turner was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt, sweatpants, and glasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131.
