Wanted for wife's murder in California, suspect surrenders in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. - A man surrendered to federal authorities in Tampa, Fla. Saturday in connection with the slaying of his wife in California nearly two months ago, authorities said Sunday.

Edly Atherley surrendered to FBI officials, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in South Florida.

Atherley was wanted on a federal arrest warrant in connection with the November death of his wife in San Bernardino, Calif. who was reportedly found with her throat slashed. Atherley had last been seen Nov. 30 near his apartment with wounds to his right hand and arm, authorities said.

He was being held Sunday at the Hillsborough County jail. Authorities say it's not clear when he will be extradited to California.

Messages left Sunday for Atherley's attorney were not immediately returned.

The couple had two children, according to the FBI.

Ashley Atherley, who grew up in Valrico, Fla., left her husband weeks before she was killed, her relatives told the Tampa Bay Times.

"We are relieved to know that he is now in custody and that he cannot harm anyone else," Lucia Robles, Ashley's mother, said in a statement Saturday. "Our prayer is that the judicial process will unfold in a timely and just manner so that Ashley's death will be properly recorded as a domestic violence murder and our family can experience justice for the loss of Ashley's beautiful and productive life."

Robles told The Tampa Tribune that the couple married in June 2008.

According to jail records, Edly Atherley was arrested later in 2008 on a domestic violence charge. The charge was dropped after Ashley Atherley refused to pursue charges, Robles said.

The couple moved to California in late 2012. Robles said she is trying to get custody of her two granddaughters, ages 5 and 2.