Police Don’t Believe Murder of Music Legend’s Wife Was a Random Attack
As the world waits for more information regarding the murder of Clarence Avant’s longtime wife Jacqueline, police are asking the public to help. Clarence, known as the Black godfather of music, was married to Jacqueline for over 50 years. Now, the police are saying that the attack doesn’t seem random.
Jacqueline Avant shot and killed during home robbery
According to TMZ, Jacqueline was shot amid a robbery and home invasion at her and Clarence’s home in an upscale neighborhood of Bel-Air. Sources tell the media outlet that Jacqueline was shot in the stomach. She was reportedly alert and speaking with paramedics while being transported to the hospital. Her family is said to be shocked that she did not survive.
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A security guard at the home was also reportedly shot in the process. He did not fire back at the attacker(s). Clarence was reportedly home and not shot. It’s unclear how many intruders were part of the robbery.
Law enforcement sources revealed they received a call from the home that someone had been shot around 2:30 in the morning. A photo from the outside of the home shows a shattered sliding glass door. It appears the robber(s) entered in through the glass door.
Police say the attack doesn’t appear to be random
During a press conference, police told reporters the attack appeared intentional. “I don’t think it was a random attack,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said, as reported by theGrio. “I can’t speculate on that right now.”
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The suspect or suspects have yet to be detained, with Stainbrook adding that any suspect or suspects still remain at large. The police are asking the public to come forward with any information they may have about the incident. “This is a difficult day for our city,” the police chief said. At the time of the press conference, it was just his third day of the job.
Stainbrook also praised the Avant family for their contributions both locally and nationally. “The Avant family’s contributions to the world of entertainment, and the communities across Los Angeles are unmatched,” he said. “There are no words to express our profound sorrow for this immense loss for Jacqueline’s husband, Clarence, their children, and the entire Avant family.”
The Avant family speaks out
In a statement to USA TODAY, the family thanked everyone “for their outpouring of love, support and heartfelt condolences for Jacqueline.”
“Jacqueline was an amazing woman, wife, mother, and philanthropist and a 55 year resident of Beverly Hills who has made an immeasurable positive impact on the arts community,” the statement continued. “She will be missed by her family, friends, and all of the people she has helped throughout her amazing life.”
The Avant family are also receiving much love from the music community. Janet Jackson posted a message to Instagram, writing, “Sending my love and prayers to the Avant family.,” she wrote alongside praying hand emojis and a broken heart emoji.
Tina Knowles-Lawson also shared her condolences, writing: “I am shocked and heartbroken by this senseless news !! This beautiful woman inside and out, classy, generous, creative, who was loved by so many of my close friends, and they along with the world are heartbroken. I am praying for her family and may she Rest In Peace.”
