Update!

Man Charged After Clarence Avant's Wife Jacqueline Avant Shot and Killed in Home Invasion

The Beverly Hills Police Department told E! News its communications center received a phone call at 2:23 a.m. on Dec. 1 regarding a shooting that had occurred.

By Elyse Dupre, Lindsay Weinberg Dec 07, 2021 12:30 AMTags
Watch: In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2022

UPDATE: A man has been charged in the murder of philanthropist Jacqueline "Jackie" Avant, the Los Angeles County District Attorney said in a press release on Dec. 6.

Aariel Maynor, 29, was charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder and felon with a firearm for allegedly killing Jackie and shooting at a security guard, who was uninjured. Maynor also faces two counts of residential burglary with person present, per the release obtained by E! News.

There is no attorney on file for Maynor and E! News has been unable to contact him for comment.

______

The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on Thursday, Dec. 2 that they arrested Maynor in connection to the Dec. 1 murder.

In a press release, the authorities stated that multiple surveillance videos show the suspect's vehicle leaving the area where Jacqueline was shot and killed.

Additionally, the BHPD detectives responded to a second report of a shooting allegedly involving Maynor, Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said Thursday. At the second crime scene, they found Maynor wounded by a gunshot, as well as evidence linking Maynor to the Avant crime scene, including the suspected weapon. They believe the suspect shot himself in the foot. 

______

photos
Celebrity Deaths: 2021's Fallen Stars

Clarence Avant is mourning the loss of his wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" Avant.

The music executive's spouse was shot and killed during a home invasion in Beverly Hills on Dec. 1, Beverly Hills Police said in a press conference. She was 81.

Getty Images

The Beverly Hills Police Department told E! News its communications center received a phone call at 2:23 a.m. regarding a shooting that had occurred. When the police arrived at the scene, the department continued, they found a victim with a gunshot wound but the suspect or suspects were no longer at the scene. 

The police said Jaqueline was transported to a local hospital by the Beverly Hills Fire Department paramedics but did not survive. No one else was injured. 

BHPD detectives remain on the scene to investigate. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities said they will not comment on speculation as to whether it was a robbery. 

Jackie's daughter, Nicole Avant, is married to Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos

The Avant and Sarandos families issues a joint statement, obtained by E! News, reading, "The Entire Avant and Sarandos families wish to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support and heartfelt condolences for Jacqueline Avant." 

Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for People For the American Way

It continued, "Jacqueline was an amazing woman, wife, mother and philanthropist and a 55 year resident of Beverly Hills who has made an immeasurable positive impact on the arts community. She will be missed by her family, friends and all of the people she has helped throughout her amazing life."

The police told E! News there is an ongoing homicide investigation.

"The City of Beverly Hills and the Beverly Hills Police Department extends our deepest sympathies to the victim's families," the police said.

Early in her career, Jacqueline was an Ebony Fashion Fair model. She wed Clarence, who was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in 1967 and together they welcomed two children: Nicole and Alex Avant. According to the Los Angeles Times, Jacqueline was a philanthropist and worked with a number of organizations, including the UCLA International Student Center.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Nicole spoke about her parents' relationship with NBC News following the release of Netflix's documentary about her dad The Black Godfather, which she produced.

"Well, they've been married for 52 years, and my mom is really the one who brought to my father and our family the love and passion and importance of the arts and culture and entertainment," Nicole said during the January 2020 interview. "While my father was in it, making all the deals, my mother was the one who gave me, for example, my love of literature, my love of filmmaking, my love of storytelling."

"Her bringing that energy and her passion for the arts kind of kept my dad balanced," she continued. "She's the umbrella in his life." 

Editor's note: This story was updated on Dec. 1 at 3:15 p.m. PT following a police press conference, which clarified that Jacqueline "Jackie" Avant died during a home invasion. The motive, including whether it was a robbery or burglary, is still unclear, police said.