Unraveling The Mystery: The Alissa Turney Case And The Pivotal 2020 Developments

The disappearance of 17-year-old Alissa Turney in May 2001 has haunted her family and captivated true crime enthusiasts for over two decades. What initially appeared to be a classic runaway case, complete with a goodbye note, slowly transformed into a chilling mystery with a prime suspect close to home. While the case saw various twists and turns over the years, the year 2020 marked a significant turning point, bringing renewed hope for answers and drawing intense media scrutiny, particularly from investigative shows like ABC's "20/20." This period, though not featuring a specific "20/20" episode *in* 2020, was undeniably the catalyst for subsequent in-depth coverage that delved into the dramatic developments of that year.

The Disappearance: A Mystery Unfolds in 2001

On the last day of her junior year, 17-year-old Alissa Turney vanished from her Phoenix, Arizona home. It was May 2001, and her stepfather, Michael Turney, reported her missing. Phoenix police, upon finding a note in her room suggesting she was headed elsewhere, initially believed Alissa was a rebellious runaway. The note, stating she was headed off, seemed to confirm this theory, making it appear like a classic runaway scenario. However, as time wore on, the initial assumption began to unravel. Alissa, a bright and vibrant teenager, was never seen again, leaving her family in agonizing limbo and the police with a perplexing cold case. The seemingly straightforward goodbye note, once a key piece of evidence supporting the runaway theory, would eventually become a point of contention and suspicion, as details emerged suggesting it might not have been what it seemed.

A Sister's Unwavering Fight: Sarah Turney's Quest for Justice

For nearly two decades, Alissa's younger sister, Sarah Turney, refused to let her sister's case fade into obscurity. Sarah's dedication to finding answers for Alissa became her life's mission. She used every method at her disposal, from traditional avenues to leveraging the power of social media and podcasts, to keep Alissa's story alive and pressure authorities for action. Her relentless advocacy, often highlighting her suspicions about their stepfather, Michael Turney, played a crucial role in bringing renewed attention to the cold case. Sarah's unwavering commitment ensured that Alissa was not forgotten, and her efforts ultimately contributed significantly to the pivotal developments that would unfold years later.

The Pivotal Year: 2020 and Michael Turney's Arrest

After almost two decades of unanswered questions, the year 2020 brought a dramatic breakthrough in Alissa Turney's case. On August 19, 2020, her stepfather, Michael Turney, was indicted on a second-degree murder charge in connection with Alissa's disappearance. This arrest sent shockwaves through the true crime community and offered a glimmer of hope to Alissa's family. Phoenix cold case detectives, who had been investigating the disappearance for nearly two decades, finally had enough evidence to make an arrest. The police's belief that something was amiss with the initial runaway theory was solidified by the fact that Alissa had left behind personal belongings, which was uncharacteristic for someone planning to disappear permanently. This pivotal moment, driven by years of investigative work and Sarah Turney's tireless advocacy, finally shifted the narrative from a presumed runaway to a suspected murder, bringing the case into a new and critical phase.

"20/20" and the Media Spotlight: Bringing Alissa's Story to the Nation

The Alissa Turney case has been a recurring subject for major investigative news programs, with ABC's "20/20" being a prominent platform that has explored its intricacies over the years. ABC News first covered Alissa's disappearance as early as 2009, featuring an interview with Michael Turney conducted by John Quiñones. This initial coverage laid the groundwork for future investigations into the perplexing case.

Alissa's story was subsequently featured in two dedicated "20/20" episodes, each delving deeper into the unfolding mystery:

October 2014: "What Happened to Alissa?" (Season 3, Episode 57) – This episode explored the cold case years before the 2020 arrest, examining the initial circumstances of her disappearance and the growing suspicions surrounding it.
September 2023: "Since You've Been Gone" (Season 45, Episode 37) – This all-new "20/20" episode built upon original ABC News reporting and provided an updated look at the case, focusing heavily on the significant developments that occurred in and around 2020, including Michael Turney's arrest and the subsequent murder trial.

The previews for these "20/20" episodes consistently highlighted that Alissa Turney went missing in 2001 and had yet to be located, emphasizing the enduring mystery. In both "20/20" appearances, Michael Turney repeatedly asserted his innocence, maintaining his stance despite the mounting evidence and charges against him. The "20/20" investigations, particularly the later episodes, explored the recent twists and turns of the case, including the dramatic developments of 2020 and beyond. This included not only the murder charge against Michael Turney but also other confounding elements that emerged during the investigation.

Unraveling the Twists: False Confessions, Pipe Bombs, and a Murder Trial

The Alissa Turney case is a tapestry of bewildering developments. Beyond the central focus on Michael Turney, the investigation uncovered layers of complexity. These included a false confession from a serial killer, which initially diverted attention and resources, adding another layer of confusion to an already perplexing case. Furthermore, the discovery of pipe bombs, which were found in Michael Turney's possession, raised serious questions about his character and potential involvement in other illicit activities. These elements, combined with the eventual murder trial, painted a picture of a case far more intricate than a simple runaway. The trial itself brought forth new evidence and testimonies, attempting to piece together what truly happened to Alissa more than two decades prior.

Beyond "20/20," other major news outlets also picked up the story as new developments surfaced. Dateline NBC, for instance, showcased the recent developments in Alissa's case in December 2023, offering another comprehensive look at the twists and turns. The full episode, "The Day Alissa Disappeared," is also available on streaming platforms like Peacock and the NBC app, and can be listened to on the Dateline podcast, ensuring that Alissa's story continues to reach a wide audience and keep the conversation alive.

The Lingering Question: Where is Alissa?

Despite the significant developments in 2020, including the arrest and subsequent murder trial of Michael Turney, Alissa Turney has yet to be found. More than two decades have passed since she was last seen alive in May 2001, leaving the central mystery of her whereabouts tragically unsolved. Her fate remains unknown, a constant source of pain for her family, particularly Sarah, who continues to fight for full closure. The case serves as a poignant reminder that even with arrests and trials, the ultimate truth of what happened to a missing person can sometimes remain elusive.

Conclusion

The Alissa Turney case is a harrowing saga of a teenage girl's disappearance that evolved from a presumed runaway to a murder investigation spanning over two decades. The year 2020 marked a critical turning point with the arrest of her stepfather, Michael Turney, on a second-degree murder charge, a development largely propelled by the unwavering dedication of Alissa's sister, Sarah. Investigative programs like "20/20" have played a vital role in keeping Alissa's story in the public consciousness, documenting the complex twists and turns, from false confessions and pipe bomb discoveries to the emotional murder trial. Despite these significant strides towards justice, the fundamental question of Alissa's whereabouts remains unanswered, leaving her family and the public to grapple with an enduring mystery. The search for Alissa continues, a testament to the hope that one day, her family will finally find the answers they desperately seek.