Justice for Alissa
Alissa Turney was 17 when she disappeared from Phoenix, Arizona, on May 17, 2001. She was last seen getting into her step-father's truck.
Her disappearance was initially treated as a runaway case, despite her cell phone, clothing, makeup, all sentimental items, and nearly $2000 being left behind. Her case has since been reclassified to a suspected homicide.
Alissa is still missing.
The search for answers and justice continues.
Timeline
May 17, 2001
Alissa Disappears
Seventeen-year-old Alissa Turney disappeared from Phoenix on the last day of her junior year at Paradise Valley High School. Before leaving school, she told her boyfriend that her adoptive father, Michael Turney, was taking her out early. She has not been seen since.
December 11, 2008
Police Search the Family Home
During the investigation into Alissa’s disappearance, Phoenix police searched Michael Turney’s home and discovered 26 pipe bombs. The discovery led to a separate federal explosives case, in which he later pleaded guilty.
July 2019
Media Pressure
After Alissa's detectives suggest getting media attention for Alissa's case, her sister, Sarah Turney, launched the Voices for Justice podcast to share her sister’s story and examine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The podcast became another way to bring public attention to Alissa’s case and advocate for answers.
August 20, 2020
Michael Turney Is Arrested
More than 19 years after Alissa disappeared, Michael Turney was arrested following a grand jury indictment for second-degree murder in connection with her presumed death. The indictment had been returned the previous day.
July 17, 2023
A Judge Grants An Acquittal
During Michael Turney’s trial, a judge granted the defense’s motion for acquittal, finding the prosecution’s evidence insufficient to sustain a conviction. The case ended without the jury deciding a verdict.
Today
The Search For Alissa Continues
Alissa remains missing. Sarah continues seeking answers, sharing her sister’s story, and pursuing efforts to locate her. Anyone with information about Alissa’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department or submit a tip through Silent Witness.
Alissa, Beyond The Headlines
There is more to Alissa’s story than a missing person poster. Through my podcast, Voices for Justice, and my social media, I share interviews with people who knew my sister, original home videos, and conversations about her case. Hear their memories, see moments from her life, and learn more about the search for answers.
Hear From the People Who Knew Her
The first season of Voices for Justice is dedicated to Alissa’s story. Listen to interviews with people who knew her and hear their experiences in their own words. Along the way, I examine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and share my experience as her sister, trying to understand what happened.
Watch for Yourself
Watch original home videos that captured Alissa’s voice, personality, and moments with our family. On social media, I share these recordings alongside context about her life and disappearance, answer common questions, and explain the stories behind the clips. These are pieces of Alissa’s life, not reenactments.
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