Jacqueline Avant’s killer, 31-year-old Aariel Maynor is facing 190 years in prison without the possibility of parole. He murdered the 81-year-old philanthropist during a home invasion last year. He also attempted to kill an on-duty security guard. News of her death shocked the industry, as not only was she an established philanthropist, she was the wife of one of the biggest names in music history, Clarence Avant. While waiting trial in jail, Maynor allegedly bragged to a friend about how he wouldn’t get much time for what he did.
Who Was Jacqueline Avant?
Jacqueline Alberta Gray, born in Jamaica, Queens NY lived a thousand lifetimes. She began as a phlebotomist, and since then has been a model, and an influence of Black fashion. The socialite met Clarence in the 1960s. They then thrived as a couple. Though, people often describe Jacqueline’s grace and elegance as an example of why people love her. Her daughter Nicole says there’s a deeper side to her. “I think what people are now really understanding is what a natural philanthropist she was,” Nicole said. “She was a philanthropist before it became popular to become a philanthropist and say you were one.”
A Recap Of What Happened
As previously reported by FM Hip-Hop, Maynor broke into the Avant’s home and shot Jacqueline. After shots rang out, a neighbor allegedly called the police to their home in Trousdale Estates. Maynor later broke into another home in the Hollywood Hills, and accidentally shot himself. Because of the injury to his foot, he rendered himself immobile and got arrested on the 6000 block of Graciosa Drive. There are cameras in the Avant’s neighborhood, so video evidence of Maynor’s vehicle at the scene exists as well.
Maynor pled guilty back in March. Jacqueline leaves behind her husband Clarence, and their two children, Nicole and Alexander Devore.
