In a heartbreaking plea for justice, the family of murdered mother Janina Jefferson has accused authorities of sidelining her unsolved 2016 killing while pouring resources into the high-profile search for missing football coach Travis Turner. As the ninth anniversary of her death passed in late 2025, relatives expressed deep frustration, fearing the case has been “swept under the rug” despite ongoing assurances from law enforcement.
Janina Jefferson, a devoted mother of three working at the Appalachia Water Treatment Plant in Wise County, Virginia, was ambushed and shot multiple times in the parking lot as she arrived for her night shift on November 27, 2016. Her ex-husband, Eric Jones, is the prime suspect. Surveillance footage captured him that day purchasing beer at a gas station before fleeing in Jefferson’s stolen truck. Jones, charged with capital murder and other offenses, has evaded capture ever since, with a $15,000 reward offered by US Marshals for information leading to his arrest.
The case initially garnered national attention but faded over time, leaving the family in limbo. Niece Brooke Jefferson voiced the pain many feel: ongoing grief mixed with anger over perceived neglect. “It does upset us,” she said, highlighting how the massive manhunt for Turner – involving drones, K9 units, FBI, and state police – contrasts sharply with their experience. They believe similar resources could revitalize leads in Janina’s investigation.
Travis Turner, 46, head coach at Union High School, vanished from his Appalachia home on November 20, 2025, amid probes into serious child sex crimes, including possession of child pornography. Last seen entering wooded areas possibly armed, his disappearance triggered an extensive search. While unrelated to Jefferson’s murder, the parallel fugitives in the same rural county have amplified the family’s concerns about how cases are prioritized.
Wise County Sheriff Grant Kilgore pushed back against criticism, insisting Janina’s case remains a “high priority.” He keeps Jones’ wanted poster on his desk as a daily reminder and vows to exhaust every resource for justice. Investigators continue evaluating tips, with US Marshals assisting in the long-term hunt.
The Jefferson family lives in constant fear that Jones could return or be living nearby undetected. Brooke emphasized that justice “doesn’t expire,” urging renewed focus. This situation highlights challenges in rural law enforcement: balancing active manhunts with cold cases that haunt communities for years.
As Wise County’s rugged terrain complicates searches for both men, Janina’s loved ones cling to hope for closure. Their story underscores the enduring toll on victims’ families when suspects remain at large, turning anniversaries into painful reminders of unresolved pain.
