Michelle Avan: 48-Year-Old Bank Executive Found Dead In L.A. Home
Prominent banking executive Michelle Avan, 48, was found dead in her home on August 5, 2021. A murder investigation has ensued.
Michelle Avan was a prominent businesswoman working in the finance industry. The Bank of America executive often used her platform to make personal finance more accessible to people of color.
Avan, 48, was someone who was conscientious about her time. That’s why her family members became concerned when Avan didn’t answer any of their calls nor return them.
Finally a family member went to her home and made a grisly discovery. Paramedics and police responded to the scene at her home in the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, about 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021.
While no cause of death has been publicly released, homicide detectives told officers on the scene that Avan "appeared to have suffered trauma to her face."
Detectives announced that they have made an arrest: Anthony Duane Turner, who also worked at Bank of America, has been taken into custody on suspicion of killing Avan, the LAPD said in a news release.
Los Angeles TV station KTLA reported the slaying as a domestic tragedy.
“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.
“She made sure that she used her position of power and influence at Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, not only to uplift herself, but to uplift women, to uplift communities of color, and really to help use the power and leverage of corporate America for the betterment of all,” her friend, LA Sentnel Executive Editor Danny Bakewell Jr. told KTLA.
Turner faces murder and first-degree burglary charges, according to the DA’s office. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday.
Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD's Valley Bureau Homicide at (818) 374-9550. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Domestic Violence Resources
National Domestic Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)