Jacqueline and Clarence Avant.Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
A well-known Los Angeles philanthropist and wife of a prominent music executive was killed Wednesday during an apparent home invasion robbery at her Beverly Hills home.
Jacqueline Avant, the 81-year-old wife of Clarence Avant, was fatally shot during the attack, theLosAngelesTimes,ABCandCBSreport.
Citing an anonymous source, theTimesreports that the suspects also shot at a security guard on the property.
The Beverly Hills Police Department said officers responded to a home in the 1100 block of Maytor Place around 2:23 a.m. Wednesday and found the victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to the hospital where she died. (Police have not confirmed to PEOPLE that the victim was Avant, or that the home was that of the Avants.)
Avant, a former model, was known for her philanthropic work. She served as president of Neighbors of Watts, which is connected to the non-profit South Central Community Child Care Center. She also served on the board of directors of the International Student Center at UCLA, according toThe HollywoodReporter.
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The couple’s daughter, Nicole Avant, who produced a 2019 Netflix documentary about her father calledThe Black Godfather, is married to Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
Various celebrities and prominent people have reacted to the tragedy.
Former president Bill Clinton wrote on Twitter, “Jackie Avant was a wonderful woman, a great a great partner to Clarence and mother to Alex and Nicole, an active citizen & a dear friend to Hillary and me for 30 years. She inspired admiration, respect & affection in everyone who knew her. We are heartbroken. She will be deeply missed.”
“Cookie and I are absolutely devastated at the loss of one of our closest friends Jackie Avant,” Magic Johnsontweeted.“She was senselessly murdered last night in a home invasion. This is the saddest day in our lives.”
“Mrs. Avant was a force of compassion and empowerment locally and nationally for decades, as well as a model of service and giving back to those who needed it most,” Basstweeted. The devastating events of last night along with recent reports of brazen crime in Los Angeles rupture the expectation of safety we have for our friends, families and fellow Angelenos."
Viola Davis wrote, “OMG!!! Where are we??!!! WHAT are we?!!”
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RHOBHstarDorit Kemsleywas robbed during a home invasion at her Encino Hills home in October involving three male intruders.
In early November, theLAPD put out a safety bulletinwarning of an “ongoing crime trend of follow-home robberies. Suspects have been locating victims in Los Angeles, following them, and then committing the robberies as the victim arrives home or at their business.”
source: people.com
