Ex-boyfriend of Bank of America executive accused of beating her to death in California home

The son of a bank executive found his mother’s body after she was beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend at her home last week, Los Angeles County prosecutors have said.

Woman, Michelle Annette Avan, 48, died of “senseless act of violence” at the hands of ex-boyfriend Anthony Duwayne Turner, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said on Monday , in a press release. Turner has been charged with one count of murder and first degree residential burglary.

“Ms. Avan was a leader in our community, and this senseless act of violence resulted in significant loss for all of us,” said Gascón.

Turner, 52, from Westchester, entered Avan’s house on August 3, Gascón said, and left the next day. “The next day, the victim’s son discovered his body inside the house,” Gascón said.

Avan was senior vice president of Bank of America, where she was responsible for helping hire and develop talent, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“We are devastated by the news. Michelle has been a valued member of our company for over 20 years and will be sorely missed,” Bank of America said in a statement.

Turner pleaded not guilty to arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Avan had two children and a grandchild, the station reported.

KABC-TV of Los Angeles reported that Turner worked with Avan.

The station also reported that Avan’s son Trevon said, “My mom Michelle Avan didn’t even get to see her granddaughter turn 2. We ask the public, we ask everything the world at home to please help us in making sure this case gets the attention it deserves. And that we get justice for our mother, Michelle Avan. “

Kellen Davis, Turner’s lawyer, said his client would be exonerated.

“So far, nothing about the allegations raised by the district attorney’s office has been substantiated. We don’t think they will be either, ”said Davis. “We look forward to redeeming Mr. Turner and his reputation through the legal process.”

Davis offered his condolences to those close to Avan on Tuesday evening.

Turner remained in jail Tuesday night, Davis said. The bond has been set at $ 2 million, according to records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Records showed Turner was arrested Thursday and held in Van Nuys Prison.

His next court date, according to sheriff’s department records, was scheduled for next week.