Today, authorities conducted arrests in connection to Jacqueline Avant’s murder. Beverly Hills police Chief Mark Stainbrook announced the arrest of Aariel Maynor, 29, in connection with the shooting. Police say Maynor shot himself in the foot during an alleged burglary of another home. Shot himself in the foot indeed, with the AR-15 rifle Maynor used during the incident.
Reports state that shots rang out in the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Trousdale Estates. Home invaders entered the house of music executive Clarence Avant and fired shots that claimed the life of Avant’s wife.
Beverly Hills, LAPD got alerts after locating Maynor on the 6000 block of Graciosa Drive. He was immobile due to a gunshot wound to the foot. In contrast, this happened while attempting to burglarize another home.
Also, cameras caught Maynor’s vehicle in the neighborhood. This while leaving the Avant’s home.
The beloved Jacqueline Avant
Jacqueline Alberta Gray was born on March 6, 1940, in Jamaica Queens, New York. She began as a hospital technician and phlebotomist in New York City. Also, she modeled for Ebony Fashion Fair. Eunice Johnson created this annual fashion show and fundraising event of Chicago’s Johnson Publishing Company, thus, striking a philanthropic background for Jaquie. While the show focused on the Black neighborhood, it featured primarily African-American models wearing luxury European designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy.
Clarence and Jaqueline met in the 1960s and began their power couple movement in fashion and music.
Jacqueline made history in uniting Black politics and entertainment. Clarence accumulated mounds of love and respect with his wife Jaqueline throughout his career. Clarence is now with his daughter Nicole, married to the Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos.
Here are heartfelt Tweets that illustrate the love yet frustration with this tragic, senseless act.
What is wrong with humanity?
While many wonder why someone would shoot an 81-year-old woman, the search for words looms. Unfortunately, this act of violence will shake feelings of safety. Inhumane acts are taking place daily but are hard to digest nonetheless.
There has been a slew of burglaries within the past month. Seemingly, women have been unlucky in this arena of attacks. In September, Hitman Holla’s girlfriend was shot during a burglary attempt while home alone. Sierra of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta shared she was a victim of a home invasion. Erica Mena, also from Love and Hip Hop, was a home invasion victim this year. Safaree, the husband of Erica, shared publicly for fear that women and children need better protection.
https://twitter.com/HotNewHipHop/status/1466365806967721986
As the influx of home invasions alert many, we must continue to push for the seriousness of protecting the lives of families. Celebrities are and have always been a target for violent burglaries. The safety concerns may not immediately subside, but it is a call to take them seriously.
While this is a developing story, we continue to send prayers to the Avant’s and other victims’ families.
See more on celebrities that were victims of the home invasions.
Written by Antoinette Ford
