News Releases

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that a man was charged today with killing Jacqueline Avant and trying to kill her security guard during a robbery.

“Mrs. Avant was a treasured member of our community. Her generosity and good will touched so many lives,” District Attorney Gascón said. “My office is working closely with the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments in the investigation and prosecution of this case. We must continue to work together to hold accountable the people who commit violent crimes against our community.”

Aariel Maynor (dob 2/1/92) of Los Angeles is charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder and felon with a firearm as well as two counts of residential burglary with person present.

Case SA106722 includes an allegation that Maynor used an assault long barrel pistol during the crimes.

Arraignment was scheduled today but continued to tomorrow in Department W30 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch.

Maynor is charged with breaking into Avant’s Beverly Hills home on Dec. 1, and fatally shooting the 81-year-old victim. The defendant also is charged with shooting at a security guard at the location.  The security guard was not injured.   

Later that night, Maynor allegedly shot himself accidentally while breaking into a house in the Hollywood Hills, prosecutors said.

The case remains under investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department.