Milwaukee Woman Accused of Killing Concordia Pharmacy Student After Paranoid Episode, Police Say
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A 31-year-old Milwaukee woman has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the fatal shooting of her friend, a 26-year-old pharmacy student from Concordia University Wisconsin.
According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Jamica Mills is accused of shooting and killing Ariel Spillner late Tuesday night near North 39th Street and Lancaster Avenue. Prosecutors say the shooting occurred after the two women smoked marijuana and Mills became “paranoid” that Spillner would attack her.
Victim Was a Promising Pharmacy Student
Authorities identified the victim as Ariel Spillner, a final-year pharmacy student described by her professors and friends as “bright, dedicated, and full of life.” She was found facedown and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to her left shoulder when police arrived around 9:40 p.m. Tuesday night.
Spillner was later pronounced dead at the scene. Her friend, Mills, was also found lying on her back with a gunshot wound to her abdomen and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Prosecutors Detail Chaotic Scene
Investigators recovered a handgun, two spent shell casings, and a Ruger firearm box registered in Mills’ name. Court documents state that Mills was “combative” with officers both at the scene and at the hospital.
A witness inside the home — reportedly Mills’ sister-in-law — told police she heard someone shout, “You tripping,” followed by two gunshots.
Police say Mills initially claimed she didn’t remember what happened, telling investigators the last thing she recalled was waking up in the living room before being taken to the hospital.
Mills’ Shifting Story
According to the criminal complaint, Mills later admitted to retrieving her gun after becoming paranoid that Spillner might stab her with scissors — allegedly because Spillner had mentioned cutting her dog’s hair earlier.
After returning to the living room, Mills told police she shot Spillner when she saw her make a “hand motion.” Investigators noted that she never actually saw Spillner holding scissors or making any threats.
“She claimed she thought Ariel was going to stab her,” prosecutors wrote. “However, the evidence indicates the victim was unarmed.”
Bond and Next Court Date
Mills appeared in Milwaukee County Court on Sunday, where a judge set her cash bond at $150,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 17 for a preliminary hearing.
If convicted, Mills faces up to 60 years in prison.
Community Mourning a Rising Star
Spillner’s classmates at Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy held a small vigil on campus, describing her as “an uplifting presence with an infectious smile.”
“She wanted to dedicate her life to helping others,” one classmate said. “It’s heartbreaking to lose someone with so much promise in such a senseless way.”
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