Anthony Turner was arrested as a suspect in the murder of Bank of America (BOA) executive Michelle Avan who was found dead on August 5 at the 19300 block of Covello Street in Reseda, California. She was 48-years-old.
KTLA reported that Turner, 52, was arrested on Monday. The man, who was her ex-boyfriend and also worked for BOA, was charged after fatally beating the bank exec. He is being charged with murder and first-degree residential burglary. Both are felonies. He entered a not guilty plea for both counts.
According to the news outlet, investigators suspected that Turner broke into Avan’s home on August 2 and murdered her before leaving the premises. Her son discovered her body.
“Ms. Avan was a leader in our community and this senseless act of violence has resulted in a significant loss to us all,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.
According to CBSLA, Avan’s family became concerned for her after they attempted to reach her and could not contact her on the same day.
Upon arrival, officers found Avan inside the residence, unresponsive, and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics shortly pronounced her dead.
She was the Senior Vice President of Bank of America.
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A BOA spokesperson made a statement regarding the exec’s death.
“We are devastated by the news. Michelle was a valued member of our company for more than 20 years and will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family.”
Avan was also a sponsor and supporter of the Taste of Soul festival held by the Los Angeles Sentinel. In 2019, she was selected as one of L.A.’s Influential Black Women Leaders by the publication.
“Michelle was a dear friend and dedicated warrior for our community, and a dear friend to me and my entire family,” said Community leader and Sentinel executive publisher Danny Bakewell.
“This news is just devastating,” he added.
The beloved woman was a voice for underrepresented groups and individuals in the world of banking.
In a 2017 interview with Essence, she spoke on her passion for helping others around her and how she would like to mentor young Black girls.
“I have an obligation to do something with all this power and privilege that I have been given,” Avan said.
Turner is being held on $2 million bail.
