News Releases

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that a man pleaded guilty today to murdering Jacqueline Avant and attempting to kill her security guard during a robbery at her Beverly Hills home in December.

“This crime continues to shock the conscience. Mrs. Avant’s death was a tragic loss felt by our entire community,” District Attorney 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.”

Aariel Maynor (dob 2/1/92) entered an open plea to one count each 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.

Maynor is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30 in Department W31 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch. The judge has the discretion to sentence him up to 170 years to life in prison.

On December 1, Maynor broke into Avant’s Beverly Hills home and fatally shot the 81-year-old victim. 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.

Case SA105722 was investigated by the Beverly Hills Police Department.