Beverly Hills, CA–This week Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the conviction of Aariel Maynor for the 2021 murder of Jacqueline Avant, 81, in her Beverly Hills home. Maynor entered a guilty plea and faced charges including one count of murder, attempted murder, being a felon with a firearm as well as two counts of residential burglary with a person present.
Last month, #AarielMaynor entered a plea to one count of first-degree murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon as well as two counts of first-degree residential burglary with person present. He also admitted an allegation that he used an assault long barrel pistol during the crimes.
“Jacqueline Avant was involved with several charitable causes and considered a pillar in her local community. Her daughter, Nicole Avant, served as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas during President Barack Obama’s administration. Nicole is the wife of Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and co-produced a 2019 Netflix documentary about her father’s life titled “The Black Godfather,” (The Wrap).
Gascon says the murder of Mrs. Avant 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.”
