Travis Turner’s son Bailey Turner speaks out as missing high school coach faces child abuse crime probe (Image via Getty)
The son of missing football coach Travis Turner, 46, has spoken for the first time after his dad was charged with child sex crimes and then disappeared. His son, Bailey Turner, 23, came out on Saturday to watch his dad’s old team, the Union High School Bears, play against the Ridgeview High School Wolfpack.
The Bears won 21-14 and stayed unbeaten this season.Bailey stood on the sidelines. People could see he was upset. He had tears in his eyes and called the win “bittersweet.” He said his family was thankful for all the love and help from the community, Daily Mail reported.Police said Travis Turner went missing on November 20 from his home in Appalachia, Virginia. That same day, Virginia State Police came to question him, but he was already gone.
His family said he walked into the woods with a gun and they have not heard from him since.
Bailey Turner watches the game as charges against Travis Turner grow
Police later said that 10 warrants were issued for Travis Turner. He is charged with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Police spokesperson Robin Lawson said the investigation is still active and more charges may come.Officers and rescue teams have searched the mountain areas but have found nothing.
Turner is still missing.At the game, Bailey tried to stay strong. Fans came up to him, hugged him, and told him they were there for him. Many people in the town know the Turner family. Some fans told the Mail that it hurts the whole community because Travis’ own father also coached the same team years ago. They said nobody wants to talk about the case on game day because the children playing on the field deserve the moment.Bailey cheered with the team after the win. He took photos with fans and stood with the coaches.
But he was still holding back tears when the game ended, the Daily Mail report said.After the charges were filed, Wise County Public Schools placed Travis Turner on leave. They said he cannot come to school or have contact with students. His teacher page was also removed from the school website.Turner’s wife Leslie spoke to the Mail too. She said the claims are not true. She said he is a good dad and a good husband, and the family only wants him home. Their attorney said they are praying for his safe return as the search continues.
