The family of a Florida woman slain in California say they we're "concerned" that the suspect in the killing could elude law enforcement officers across the country for weeks as he neared their home.
Edly Albert Atherley surrendered Saturday to FBI officials in Tampa, ending a nationwide manhunt. He was wanted on a federal arrest warrant in the death of his wife in San Bernardino, Calif., in late November.
Ashley Atherley grew up in the Tampa Bay area, where many of her relatives still live.
"We were concerned to learn that Edly was in Tampa and within such close physical proximity to many family members while he was running from law enforcement and crossing the country," Ashley Atherley's family said in a statement released over the weekend to The Tampa Tribune (http://bit.ly/1dpni5j).
"Our lives have been forever altered and for the sake of her children, we hope to one day regain a sense of balance and peace once this process is over," the statement said.
The family declined further comment Monday.
Atherley is awaiting extradition at a Hillsborough County jail.
Local
According to police, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Ashley Atherley left her job for lunch and never returned. Her body was later found in her home, beaten and stabbed to death.
Her family said she moved to California just in late 2012 with her husband, but last year the two became estranged. The couple have two daughters, 5 and 2.
They married in June 2008. Later that year, Atherley was arrested on a domestic violence charge, but his wife refused to pursue the case.
