Family Lawyer: Missing Virginia Coach’s Wife Didn’t Help Him Flee; Family Urges Turner To Return

Family Lawyer: Wife Sought Help, Not To Help Him Escape

An attorney for the family of missing Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner said this week that Turner's wife did not aid him in fleeing law enforcement when he disappeared in late November.

Turner, 46, was last seen by his wife on Nov. 20 near the family home in Appalachia, Va. His wife filed a missing-person report with authorities the following day after he failed to return. Five days after his disappearance, Virginia State Police announced 10 arrest warrants charging Turner with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

"His wife was not helping him escape, she was asking for help to find him," family attorney Adrian Collins told local media, as reported by WCYB.

Family Cooperation And Concerns

Collins said the Turner family has cooperated with investigators and consented to multiple searches of their homes and properties. He emphasized the family's concern for Turner's welfare while asserting their hope that he will be located and given the opportunity to defend himself in court.

The attorney provided a detailed timeline of the family's account: relatives last saw Turner walking into nearby woods on Nov. 20 carrying a firearm — behavior Collins said Turner had exhibited before. When he did not return that evening, his wife, Leslie, reported him missing to the Virginia State Police on Nov. 21.

Several personal items were reportedly left at the house, which heightened family worries: Turner's car and keys remained at home; his daytime contact lenses and evening glasses and related supplies were left behind; his wallet, license, cash and other contents were not taken; and daily prescription medications he requires were also left in the home. "It is not like Travis to disappear or stay away from home," Collins said, noting that the criminal charges were filed days after he went missing.

“If Travis has the ability and is able to respond to his family's wishes; your wife and children are in distress,” Collins pleaded. “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.”

Investigation Status

A Virginia State Police spokesperson told PEOPLE there were no additional updates and declined to comment specifically on any investigative interest in Turner's wife. The spokesperson said search efforts are ongoing with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI and asked the public to submit tips that could lead to Turner's whereabouts.

Local outlets including WJHL, WCYB and ABC News report that Turner — who coached the undefeated Union High School boys' football team as it entered the state playoffs — is now considered a fugitive. His disappearance has unsettled the community as authorities continue their search.

If you have information about Travis Turner’s whereabouts, contact the Virginia State Police or submit a tip to the appropriate agencies assisting in the search.