Aariel Maynor, 29, of Los Angeles pleaded not guilty on Dec. 16 to murder and other counts arising from the shooting death of beloved Beverly Hills resident and philanthropist Jacqueline Avant.
Avant, 81, was killed on Dec. 1 in her Trousdale Estates home. Avant’s husband, renowned music executive Clarence Avant, 90, was not injured during the incident. A security guard at the couple’s home was shot at, but not injured.
Maynor was arrested shortly after the Avant shooting, which took place at approximately 2 a.m at the Avant home on Maytor Place. He was charged on Dec. 6 with one count of murder, attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of residential burglary with a person present.
Maynor has an extensive criminal record that includes domestic violence, robbery and grand theft. He was recently released on parole.
Avant’s murder has shaken the community, not only for its senselessness but for the great loss it brings. Local and national luminaries issued statements in the wake of her death. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that Avant was a dear friend who “inspired admiration, respect and affection in everyone who knew her. We are heartbroken. She will be deeply missed.”
