Eva Deschamps / December 2, 2021
The wife of a record industry mogul, dubbed the godfather of black music, was shot and killed Wednesday during a late-night break-in at the couple's home in an upscale Beverly Hills neighborhood.
Jacqueline Avant, 81, was found by police at her home, fatally shot, said at a press conference Mark Stainbrook, the police chief of Beverly Hills, a small city near Los Angeles known worldwide for its celebrities, billionaires and luxury stores.
The victim was the wife of 90-year-old Clarence Avant, a music industry figure whose talents have been celebrated by stars such as Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Quincy Jones, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and even former U.S. President Barack Obama.
The couple's daughter, Nicole Avant, is a former American diplomat who is married to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.
At a press conference, Mr. Stainbrook said that the tragedy was not the result of a random attack but refused to speculate, refraining from calling it a robbery gone wrong as some local media have done.
According to the police chief, the motive for the homicide has not yet been determined precisely.
None of the other occupants of the luxury home were injured, he said.
The celebrity website TMZ, the first to report the drama, said there was a security guard at the scene, which the armed intruder opened fire on. Mr. Stainbrook confirmed that a guard was apparently in the couple's home but would not give further details.
Beverly Hills police had arrived on the scene shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The suspect(s) were no longer present. Beverly Hills Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the victim did not survive, the release added.
Basketball legend Magic Johnson and his wife reacted to the death of Jacqueline Avant, one of our closest friends, whose passing has totally shocked them.
Jackie was the most delightful person. She had a beautiful soul, a big heart and always had a kind word, the star said in his message on Twitter.
Former President Bill Clinton also paid tribute to Mrs. Avant, a wonderful woman and a dear friend to Hillary and me for 30 years.