BofA banker charged with murder in Michelle Avan's death

BofA banker charged with murder in Michelle Avan's death
Anthony Turner, a commercial banker, faces one felony count each of murder and first-degree residential burglary, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. The case remains under investigation.
AUG 10, 2021

A Bank of America Corp. executive was charged Monday with the brutal murder and fatal beating of Merrill Lynch & Co. veteran Michelle Avan.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, Avan, a victim of domestic violence, was the former girlfriend of Anthony Turner, 53.

Turner worked in Bank of America's commercial banking division in Los Angeles and focused on large businesses.

On August 3, Turner is charged with entering the 48-year-old victim’s home and killing her before leaving on Aug. 4, according to a statement on Monday by the District Attorney's office. The next day, the victim’s son discovered her body inside the house.

Anthony Turner

Turner faces one felony count each of murder and first-degree residential burglary, according to the District Attorney, and the case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Turner pleaded not guilty yesterday in arraignment, according to a spokesperson for the District Attorney's office, and his next court date is August 16.

According to his BrokerCheck profile, Turner was registered for only a few months with Merrill Lynch in 2005 and then again in 2016 before starting his employment at BofA Securities in 2019.

It is not clear how Avan and Turner initially met or when they dated.

Described as a community leader by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, Avan recently became head of global women’s and under-represented talent strategy, global human resources for the bank, where she was responsible for its comprehensive strategy and efforts to attract, hire and retain diverse talent across the company.

"We are devastated by the news," a Merrill Lynch spokesperson said in a statement. "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."

She was a recipient of Bank of America’s Global Diversity & Inclusion award as well as a co-chair of the company’s Black Executive Leadership Council business initiative. She also won a 2021 InvestmentNews Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Latest News

Maryland bars advisor over charging excessive fees to clients
Maryland bars advisor over charging excessive fees to clients

Blue Anchor Capital Management and Pickett also purchased “highly aggressive and volatile” securities, according to the order.

Wave of SEC appointments signals regulatory shift with implications for financial advisors
Wave of SEC appointments signals regulatory shift with implications for financial advisors

Reshuffle provides strong indication of where the regulator's priorities now lie.

US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel
US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel

Goldman Sachs Asset Management report reveals sharpened focus on annuities.

Why DA Davidson's wealth vice chairman still follows his dad's investment advice
Why DA Davidson's wealth vice chairman still follows his dad's investment advice

Ahead of Father's Day, InvestmentNews speaks with Andrew Crowell.

401(k) participants seek advice, but few turn to financial advisors
401(k) participants seek advice, but few turn to financial advisors

Cerulli research finds nearly two-thirds of active retirement plan participants are unadvised, opening a potential engagement opportunity.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today’s choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave