BEVERLY HILLS Calif. (KNX) — Ex-con Aariel Maynor pleaded guilty Thursday to the murder of Beverly Hills philanthropist Jacqueline Avant during a December 2021 robbery at her home in the Trousdale Estates of Beverly Hills.
In addition to the shooting death of Avant, the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant, Maynor pleaded guilty to attempted murder for attempting to shoot the Avants' body guard, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón's office.
The 30-year-old also admitted an allegation that he used an assault long barrel pistol during the crimes, the D.A.'s office said.
“This crime continues to shock the conscience. Mrs. Avant’s death was a tragic loss felt by our entire community,” Gascón said.
“In this case, the defendant is facing 170 years to life in prison and is ineligible for elderly parole. Our Bureau of Victim Services will continue to be in contact with the family and their representatives to offer trauma-informed services.”
Maynor's guilty plea follows a break-in to the Avant home on Dec. 1, 2021, where he encountered 81-year-old Avant and fatally shot her. The D.A.'s office said he also shot at a security guard who was not injured.
Later that night, Maynor allegedly shot himself accidentally while breaking into a house in the Hollywood Hills, prosecutors said.
Maynor is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30 in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The judge has the discretion to sentence him up to 170 years to life in prison, Gason's office said in a statement.
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