Judge Grants Acquittal; Turney Walks Free After Three Years
Michael Turney’s name made headlines for decades as the prime suspect in his stepdaughter Alissa Turney’s 2001 disappearance. In July 2023, a judge dismissed murder charges and released him from custody. Today, Turney has stepped away from the spotlight.
This article traces his journey from acquittal to private life, exploring how he has addressed the case’s lingering questions, how his family has reacted, and what is known—and unknown—about his current whereabouts. By following his path, we gain insight into how high-profile legal battles can reshape a person’s life long after the courtroom doors close.
Judge Grants Acquittal; Turney Walks Free After Three Years
On July 18, 2023, Maricopa County Judge Sam Myers granted a motion for acquittal, ruling that the state’s evidence did not meet the legal standard for conviction. After nearly three years behind bars, Turney walked out of jail a free man.
He had faced second-degree murder charges in his 17-year-old stepdaughter’s presumed death, but without a body or direct proof of foul play, prosecutors could not secure a verdict. Turney’s legal battle thus ended with no criminal record for Alissa’s disappearance, but the case’s shadow has not fully lifted from his name.
A Free Man and Family Life
Since his acquittal, Turney has returned to private family life in the Phoenix area. He has avoided public events and social media, opting instead to rebuild his day-to-day routines away from news cameras. Close relatives, including his adult children, have supported his decision to stay out of the headlines.
Turney “loves his children,” he told reporters upon release, but he declined to discuss Alissa’s fate. Friends and neighbors describe him as quiet and reserved, with a focus on reconnecting with loved ones after a decade of legal turmoil.
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Public Appearances and Ongoing Silence
Turney’s only significant on-camera moment came shortly after his release, when he spoke with ABC15. He insisted, “I know what I did and didn’t do, and I didn’t kill my daughter.” Beyond that brief interview, he has kept his distance.
He declined invitations for further comment and has not participated in any documentaries or true-crime podcasts since his trial concluded. Legal experts note that, by staying silent, Turney minimizes opportunities for renewed scrutiny or defamation claims.
Privacy and Current Whereabouts
As of mid-2025, Turney’s exact address and daily activities remain undisclosed. Authorities consider him a private citizen, and no travel or residency records are publicly available. Though some local news outlets speculate he remains in Arizona, no confirmed sightings have surfaced.
His attorneys have stated he wishes only for peace and privacy. With no active cases against him, there is no legal requirement for Turney to register his residence, leaving his current location effectively unknown outside his immediate circle.
Final Words
Michael Turney’s journey—from cold-case suspect to acquitted father—highlights the lasting impact of legal uncertainty. While his name is cleared in court, many questions about Alissa’s disappearance endure.
As Turney lives a quiet life away from public view, the community and Alissa’s family continue to search for closure. His story reminds us that acquittal ends a trial but does not always resolve the deeper search for truth.
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