Virginia Parents Confront School Board Over Missing Coach's Criminal Charges
Parents at Union High School in Wise County, Virginia, are expressing profound anger, confusion, and a deep sense of betrayal. Their former football coach, Travis Turner, has been missing since November 20, 2025. Just days after his disappearance, Virginia State Police announced ten serious criminal charges against the 46-year-old coach, including possession of child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor.
Community Demands Transparency and Accountability
As the search for Turner approaches the three-month mark, frustrated families are directing tough questions toward school leaders. Many parents believe school officials were aware of concerning behaviors for years but failed to take appropriate action. According to local news outlet WJHL, parents met again with the Wise County Board of Education on February 10 to urgently demand answers. The school board has not yet issued a public response to these serious allegations.
Travis Turner was last seen during what had been an undefeated football season at Union High School. His sudden disappearance initially shocked the close-knit community. The subsequent announcement of criminal charges dramatically altered the situation, transforming confusion into outrage.
Parents Voice Their Concerns Directly
During the February 10 meeting, several parents spoke directly to school officials. Stephen Murray, a Wise County parent, told WJHL that families are demanding transparency and accountability. "I just want to make sure that no one thinks that we're going to sweep this under the rug like it has been for so many years," Murray stated. "I just want to keep reminding the citizens of this county that there's been a lot of abuse and we just need to keep shining a spotlight on it until something changes."
Murray emphasized the community's pain and desire for reform: "I think it's vital now more than ever that they actually understand that a community is hurting and a community does want change. So, I do hope they're listening. I think this is just the beginning, and the school board should, you know, get used to seeing these faces and hopefully more and more people show up."
According to WJHL reports, at least three parents specifically accused the school district of not being transparent about past concerns involving Travis Turner. The Wise County Board of Education has not publicly addressed these claims.
Ongoing Search and Legal Developments
Meanwhile, the search for Travis Turner continues without resolution. Turner's wife, Leslie Turner, reported him missing to Virginia State Police on November 21. She informed authorities that she last saw him on November 20 walking into wooded areas while carrying a firearm. Five days later, police announced the ten criminal charges against the missing coach.
An attorney representing Leslie Turner spoke to PEOPLE magazine, stating: "It is not like Travis to disappear or stay away from home." The attorney clarified that Leslie Turner did not assist her husband in evading police and that the family is publicly asking him "to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law."
As of the latest updates from Virginia State Police and reports from WJHL and PEOPLE magazine, Travis Turner remains missing. The community continues to grapple with the disturbing allegations while awaiting both answers from school officials and resolution in the ongoing search.
