Wife Of Missing Football Coach Comments As Police Begin Manhunt

The Virginia State Police have launched a multi-jurisdictional manhunt for Union High School football coach Travis L. Turner, 46, who has been declared a fugitive after disappearing from his home last week. Turner is now wanted on 10 felony charges — five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. All charges were filed on Monday, according to authorities.

Turner was first reported missing on Friday, November 21, just one day after state troopers arrived at his residence in Appalachia, Virginia. The Virginia State Police (VSP) say the visit was part of the early stages of an investigation and not for the purpose of making an arrest. However, when law enforcement reached the home, Turner was no longer there.

Since then, authorities have deployed multiple search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 units in efforts to locate the missing coach. The search remains active across multiple counties, according to officials with the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Wytheville Field Office.

In a public statement, the VSP said, “Our main priority is locating Turner safely,” and urged the public to report any information about his whereabouts. Tips can be provided anonymously by calling Virginia State Police Division 4 at (276) 484-9483 or emailing [email protected].

Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, spoke out after the charges were announced. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she said, “None of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home. That’s it.” She added that the family is trying to stay strong until more information is available.

Just days before his disappearance, Turner appeared in what is now believed to be his final public interview. The video, shared by the Union Sports Network on Instagram, was filmed after Union High School’s 40–7 victory over Lehigh in the Region 2D quarterfinals on November 15. Turner appeared upbeat, praising his players for their performance and focus.

“I thought our kids adjusted, played hard, and overcame some adversity,” he said. “There was no panic. We just continued the course and played football.” Turner also spoke about the team’s upcoming match-up with Graham High School, saying, “It’s going to be a battle, and our kids will be ready.”