Naman Shrestha
ABC’s ’20/20: Since You’ve Been Gone’ is a true crime documentary that chronicles the mysterious disappearance of a 17-year-old named Alissa Turney, who went missing in May 2001. This incident instilled a sense of caution across the entire community, which played its part in the search for the missing teenager along with the authorities. With suspicion looming over her stepfather, Michael “Mike” Turney, her half-sister, Sarah Turney, did not believe the accusations. However, as more evidence came to the surface, she changed her stance completely and believed that her father was responsible for Alissa’s murder.
Sarah Turney Initially Supported Her Father But Changed Sides Later
Alissa Marie Turney was born to Barbara, who got divorced and tied the knot with Michael “Mike” Turney. Not long after their marriage, the couple welcomed Sarah Turney into the world, making her Alissa’s half sister. When Sarah was just four years old, her mother died of lung cancer, after which the half sisters were adopted by Michael. A few years later, on May 17, 2001, 12-year-old Sarah found a note in Alissa’s bedroom that mentioned her decision to run away to California for a fresh start. As per reports, that same day, Alissa and Michael had a heated argument, putting him under suspicion. Sarah was devastated as she thought that her half-sister had abandoned her.
After the sudden disappearance of Alissa, Sarah moved to another house, where, she added, Michael didn’t set up a new bedroom for her missing sister. Around 2008, he was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of unregistered bombing devices and explosives, reportedly found inside his house. That was when Sarah began to question her father’s involvement in Alissa’s disappearance. As suspicions over him arose in the following years, she directly asked him about that in the mid-2010s while he was serving time for the weapon charges. The next conversation about the same took place a few months after he got out of prison, in October 2017. At the time, she claimed he allegedly told her that he would spill the truth about everything on his deathbed, something she found suspicious.
Sarah’s doubts turned into certainty when she came across evidence that allegedly showed Michael’s other side. When he was arrested in 2020 for the second-degree murder of Alissa, Sarah began campaigning against him. Sarah also testified against him during his trial in July 2023. She told the jury about the times her father had allegedly criticized Alissa. Sarah also reiterated that he allegedly told her that he would reveal the truth about her sister on his deathbed. Ultimately, the judge acquitted Michael Turney due to a lack of substantial evidence against him, following which he was released from custody.
Sarah Turney is Focused on Amplifying Unsolved Crimes Through Her Podcast
Sarah Turney continues her fight for justice in the hope that the truth will ultimately prevail. Aside from everything she could do to help in her sister’s case directly, she established a company under the name Voices for Justice Media in mid-2019. Since then, she has been running a true crime podcast of the same name. By covering a single case every episode and adding a call to action towards the end, Sarah attempts to give voice to those who are not around to speak for themselves. Through the show, she remains committed to raising awareness about her sister’s case and also sheds light on those cases that are not that different from their own.
Sarah’s podcast has garnered a strong fan base and also ranked among the top True Crime Podcasts towards the end of the summer of 2023. In February of the next year, her other show, ‘Media Pressure,’ earned the top spot across all categories on Apple and even surpassed 1 million downloads. As of writing, both her shows are doing well in advocating for justice for the targets of unsolved crimes. From time to time, Sarah takes time out to answer personal questions she gets from her followers, mostly related to her father and Alissa.
Sarah Turney Keeps the Memories of Alissa Alive While Fighting For Justice
After the result of Michael Turney’s trial, Sarah began using social media as a means to raise awareness about Alissa’s disappearance and her father’s alleged involvement in it. Recalling her father’s alleged physical abuse, intimidation, and surveillance, Sarah opened up about Michael in an interview with People. She said, “I always thought growing up that Alissa had behavioral problems and that my dad (and Alissa’s stepfather) didn’t like that and was quite controlling…I’ll never forgive my father. He’s one of the worst people out there.” Even after 24 years of Alissa Turney’s disappearance, Sarah Turney has kept her spirit alive in her heart and refused to let her legacy wither into silence.
Not just her memories, but Sarah has also safeguarded several of the physical possessions of her beloved older sister. From Alissa’s prom dress and blankets to her jewelry, photographs, and drawings, she has kept them all safe and secure. In fact, some of the belongings (the blanket their mother knitted) even made way into the documentary. She often pens heartwarming notes for her beloved sister on Instagram, sharing how deeply she is loved and missed. In the same interview, the Arizona State University graduate expressed that she wishes things were different and she never had to walk this path, which makes her deal with grief and trauma over and over again.
However, she confessed that she’d keep doing it for as long as it takes. “I’m willing to hurt and go through this trauma because it helps Alissa— ultimately, it’s not about me,” Sarah stated. Opening up about the personal cost of her fight, Sarah revealed that the road she has chosen has impacted her relationships and professional life. Despite all that, she remains persistent in her goal. She further divulged, “I’ve taken a large step back from all my family after this documentary. They think I’m tarnishing my father’s name. They don’t want this to be our legacy.” Sarah claimed that her brothers have allegedly distanced themselves from Alissa’s case. Nevertheless, according to her, “they all believe that (Michael) did this and believed that before I did.”
In the emotional interview, Sarah shared her personal belief about her father, stating, “I do believe that my father has (allegedly) been a lifelong serial rapist-murderer, domestic terrorist pedophile. I hope he confesses, but he’s just too selfish. I think he values protecting his ego a lot more than protecting his children.” It is imperative to note that these allegations have not been substantiated in court. Michael Turney has denied all allegations and was acquitted of murder charges in 2023 due to insufficient evidence. Therefore, he has not been convicted of any crime related to Alissa Turney’s disappearance. As of today, Sarah Turney is leading a life full of purpose in Phoenix, Arizona, flourishing in the presence of her loved ones. Keeping her company in her beautiful abode are her furry babies, whom she loves with all her heart.
Read More: Where is Michael Turney Now? Update on Alissa Turney’s Stepfather
