Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Promising Pharmacy Student
A 26-year-old pharmacy student described by her family as having "the most infectious laugh" was allegedly shot and killed by a friend during what police say was a marijuana-induced panic attack in Milwaukee.
Ariel Spillner, who was in her final year at Concordia University, died on November 4 after an evening spent celebrating her friend Jamica Mills' birthday. The celebration turned deadly when Mills, 32, allegedly opened fire during what she described as a paranoia episode after smoking cannabis.
Chaotic Events of November 4
According to a criminal complaint, Mills told investigators she became paranoid that Spillner would attack her with scissors while they smoked marijuana together. The scissors were reportedly intended for trimming Mills' dog's hair.
Mills claimed she retrieved a Ruger LCP .380 caliber handgun from her bedroom after becoming anxious about her friend's intentions. When she returned, Mills stated that Spillner made a "hand motion" that panicked her, leading to the shooting at approximately 9:40pm.
Police arriving at the scene found both women suffering from gunshot wounds. Spillner was pronounced dead at the location, while Mills was conscious but on the floor with a stomach wound she claimed was self-inflicted.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Proceedings
Mills initially told investigators she couldn't remember events between waking up in her living room and arriving at hospital. However, she later changed her story, admitting both women experienced paranoia after smoking weed together.
Despite her fears about the scissors, Mills acknowledged that Spillner never made any threats to stab her. The complaint states Mills said she walked toward her front door after shooting Spillner and accidentally shot herself in the stomach.
Mills now faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide and remains in custody with a $150,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 17.
Family's Heartbreaking Tributes
Spillner's family have established a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, describing her as "a light to everyone who knew her - she had the most giving soul with the biggest heart."
Her sister Courtney told WMTV: "She was literally the best person you could ask for as a friend, as a sister, as a 'TT,' as a daughter. She was the best to everyone."
Courtney revealed their final conversation occurred just an hour before the shooting, adding: "The last thing we said to each other was that we loved each other, so I am forever holding that memory close."
The family expressed shock and confusion over the incident, with Courtney stating they "don't know anyone who would want to hurt Ariel in any way, shape or form."
Spillner's loved ones oppose any potential plea deal for Mills and hope the pharmacy student "gets the justice that she deserves."
Authorities executed a search warrant on the home and arrested another resident for allegedly lying to police about the incident, though formal charges haven't been filed.
