The man suspected of fatally shooting Jacqueline Avant in her Beverly Hills home entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday (Dec. 16). Aariel Maynor, 29, 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.
Maynor is accused of breaking into the home of the 81-year-old philanthropist and wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant on Dec. 1 and fatally shooting her, according to authorities. Maynor also allegedly shot at a security guard at the location; the guard was not injured.
Maynor’s next court appearance is Jan. 19.
Maynor was apprehended a little more than an hour after the Avant shooting on Dec. 1 when Los Angeles police responded to another reported shooting at a residence. Police said they found Maynor in the backyard suffering from a gunshot wound to his foot. Following an investigation, it was determined that a burglary occurred at that residence and that Maynor accidentally shot himself, authorities said.
After Maynor was charged on Dec. 6, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said, “Mrs. Avant was a treasured member of our community. Her generosity and good will touched so many lives. 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.”
Following Avant’s killing, per her wishes, Avant’s survivors announced the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center, located in South Los Angeles in the Watts/Willowbrook neighborhood.
This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.
