Suspect Arrested In The Murder of Jacqueline Avant

A man has been arrested in the fatal shooting of Jacqueline Avant, wife of music legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Clarence Avant.

The Beverly Hills Police announced the arrest on Thursday and identified the suspect as 29-year old Aariel Maynor of Los Angeles.

According to detectives, Maynor has a long criminal history and is currently on parole. He was caught after apparently accidentally shooting himself in the foot with an AR-15 while committing another break-in just an hour after allegedly killing Avant.

Further investigation tied him to Avant’s death, according to a press release. The caliber of the weapon matched the bullets found at the Avant murder scene.

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said there were multiple surveillance videos that showed Maynor’s vehicle heading eastbound out of Beverly Hills shortly after the shooting.

Police believe Maynor acted alone and a motive remains unclear.

After the arrest was revealed, the Avant and Sarandos family released a statement.

“Our deepest gratitude to The City of Beverly Hills, the BHPD and all law enforcement for their diligence on this matter,” the statement read. “Now, let justice be served.”

As we previously reported, Avant was shot in the stomach by an intruder at her Beverly Hills home. The 81-year old was rushed to the hospital, but later died from her injuries.