BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — The attorney for Travis Turner’s family released a statement, claiming the at-large fugitive left his home with a firearm. In the statement, Attorney Adrian Collins said Turner “left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm” on Nov. 20, which was the last time his family had contact with him.
The statement comes more than a week after Turner, Union High School’s football coach, was reported “missing” after investigators attempted to speak with him regarding a Virginia State Police (VSP) investigation.
He has been the subject of a VSP search since his disappearance. Turner is no longer listed on Union High School’s website.
After Turner was listed as a missing person, the VSP announced that charges were filed against Turner, and 10 warrants were issued for his arrest. According to VSP, Turner faces five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. VSP also stated Turner was considered a fugitive as of Nov. 25 and that more charges are pending.
According to Collins’ statement, Turner’s family continues praying “that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law.”
The VSP told News Channel 11 on Saturday it was unable to confirm Collins’ statement regarding whether Turner was in possession of a firearm when he left his home on Nov. 20 and had no further updates regarding the case.
The full statement from Collins can be found below:
Statement from Adrian Collins, Attorney at Law,
On Behalf of the Family of Coach Travis TurnerOn 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.
Adrian Collins
Attorney at Law
Wise, Virginia