Wisconsin Woman Accused of Killing Her Mother With 4-Pound Rock in Brutal Backyard Attack, Police Say

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and charged after allegedly bludgeoning her mother to death with a four-pound rock in what police described as a “brutal and bloody” attack outside their home.

The suspect, Lauren Spors, is facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide and domestic abuse–threat, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the victim, 64-year-old Carrie Zettel, had called 911 minutes before her death to report that her daughter was “being violent.”

911 Call Turns Into Horror Scene

Officers were dispatched to the West Ramsey Avenue residence around 2:20 p.m. on Oct. 12. When they arrived, they discovered Zettel covered in blood, suffering from severe head trauma with “brain matter visible,” according to a police search warrant obtained by WDJT.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. A large blood-covered rock was found nearby in the grass, and investigators say Spors’ clothes and hands were soaked in blood.

Witnesses told police they saw the younger woman standing over her mother in the backyard, repeatedly striking her with a heavy object — later confirmed to be a 4-pound landscaping rock.

Family History of Violence and Mental Illness

According to a criminal complaint, Spors’ violent behavior toward her family had been a long-standing concern.

Family friend Loretta Moyer told WDJT that Zettel had once feared her daughter might kill her.

“Carrie even said, ‘Maybe if she kills me, she’ll get the help she needs,’” Moyer recalled. “She was hopeless at this point.”

Court documents revealed that Zettel previously believed her daughter was responsible for the 2018 death of her husband, Jeffrey Spors, who was found dead from head trauma. Although Lauren admitted to hitting him “over the head with two glass bottles,” authorities ultimately ruled the death an accidental overdose due to prescription medication and declined to press charges.

Following that incident, Zettel obtained a domestic violence restraining order against her daughter, which Spors repeatedly violated. Each time, she was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and committed to treatment facilities.

“My mom says I killed him, but I don’t remember doing it,” Lauren wrote to a judge in 2018.

Victim’s Chilling Final Warning

Just hours before her death, Zettel reportedly left a voicemail for her friend describing another confrontation with her daughter.

“Lauren was here just now, pounding on the doors and windows. I called 911,” Zettel said in the message. “The police came, and they caught her under a tarp — and she ran away.”

Police confirmed they were called to the home that morning, but Spors fled before they could arrest her. Later that afternoon, she returned — and the fatal attack occurred.

Ongoing Case and Mental Health Concerns

Spors was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Milwaukee County Jail on a $100,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 21.

Authorities have not released a motive but say her mental health struggles and prior violent history will play a central role in the case.

Community members described Zettel as a kind, patient woman who had “done everything she could” to help her daughter get treatment.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Moyer said. “She loved her daughter but lived in fear of her.”

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