THE son of fugitive Travis Turner has broken his silence during the first public outing since the ex-football coach was charged with child sex crimes.
Bailey Turner, 23, attended the football game of his dad’s former team against the Ridgeview High School Wolfpack on Saturday.
The Virginia-based team, the Union High School Bears, continued their unbeaten season with a 21-14 win which began under the helm of his dad.
Bailey, who watched on from the sidelines, appeared visibly upset and was tearful as he called the win “bittersweet” amid the search for his father, the Daily Mail reported.
Turner, 46, vanished from his Appalachia home where he lived with his wife and three children on November 20.
That same day, Virginia State Police arrived at the house to question the high school coach, but he had already gone.
His family has said that he was last seen disappearing into the nearby woodland with a firearm and they have not heard from him since.
The family’s attorney clarified that at the time he fled the home, there were no warrants out for Turner’s arrest.
But, on Tuesday, cops confirmed that 10 warrants have been issued and he has been charged with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
“The investigation remains ongoing,” Police spokesperson Robin Lawson said.
“Additional charges are pending.”
Cops have scoured the mountain wilderness for the wanted man but have not yet found anything.
Bailey Turner, who was a former quarterback with the Bears, told the Mail that his family “appreciated the support” they have received from the community in the wake of the bombshell allegations.
He was seen on the sidelines celebrating with the team after Saturday’s win and taking photos with fans.
According to the outlet, he was fighting back tears as the final whistle blew and his father’s colleagues, the other coaches, rushed onto the field to begin celebrations.
“Everyone is here to support the team, and wants them to do well. It’s a tight knit community and this really hit everyone hard,” a fan anonymously told The Mail.
“A lot of people have known the family for years, since Travis’ father coached the team and that makes it harder. It’s not something anyone wants to talk about, especially today.
“Today is about the boys and the team doing their best.”
After charges were filed against Turner, Wise County Public Schools, which oversees Union High, issued a brief statement clarifying that Turner is on administrative leave.
“The individual remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students,” they said.
However, his teacher’s profile has since been entirely scrubbed from the school’s website.
Meanwhile, Turner’s wife Leslie has defended the ex-coach, telling the Mail that the allegations against him are untrue and that she had no knowledge of any inappropriate behavior with children.
“None of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband and we want him home. That’s it,” she said.
The family’s attorney said they are all praying for his safe return as the hunt for the fugitive continues.
Travis Turner timeline
Before November 20:
- Travis Turner was placed on paid administrative leave from his position as a high school football coach at Union High School.
- Wise County Public Schools admitted he remained on leave until at least November 24.
Thursday, November 20:
- Virginia State Police authorities went to Turner’s home in Appalachia, Virginia, to question him as part of an investigation into child sex crime
- Turner suddenly vanished from his property.
- He was reportedly last seen walking into a wooded, mountainous area, which he is very familiar with.
November 21-24:
- Turner was initially declared missing.
- An urgent search was launched, deploying search-and-rescue teams, drones, and K9 units in the Appalachian hinterlands.
Tuesday, November 25:
- Virginia state troopers announced that they had obtained 10 warrants for Turner, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Search continues:
- Crews are continually searching for any sign of the coach.
- His family is defending his innocence and calling for his safe recovery.
- Meanwhile, his undefeated high school football team continues to compete in playoff games without him
