PHOENIX (Scripps News Phoenix) — Jury selection is underway for the trial of Michael Roy Turney, who was arrested in connection to the murder of his teenage stepdaughter.
Alissa Turney, 17, went missing at the end of the school year in 2001. She was first reported as a runaway by Michael Turney, who told authorities that Alissa had left a note and was going to California.
(L) Michael Turney, (R) Alissa Turney (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office/Scripps News Phoenix)
In 2008, new information was brought to light and officials began a criminal investigation into Alissa’s disappearance.
Officials conducted hundreds of interviews with coworkers, friends, and family.
When a search warrant was issued on Michael’s home, they discovered a bombing plot, at which point he was brought into custody, according to authorities. Officials say Michael took a plea deal and served 10 years in prison in the bombing plot, unrelated to Alissa’s disappearance.
He was arrested in 2020 by police in Mesa on second-degree murder charges in connection to Alissa’s presumed death.
Her body has never been recovered. Opening statements are expected July 6.
This story was originally published by Scripps News Phoenix, an E.W. Scripps Company.
