by Milwaukee, WI — Authorities say a 26-year-old pharmacy student from Concordia University was shot and killed by her friend after the pair smoked marijuana and the suspect allegedly became paranoid. The shocking incident has left the community reeling and the victim’s family mourning an unimaginable loss.
A Friendship Ends in Tragedy
According to a criminal complaint cited by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ariel Spillner was killed on Nov. 4 by her friend Jamica Simone Mills, 31, who now faces first-degree reckless homicide and felony use of a dangerous weapon charges.
Authorities say first responders arrived at Mills’ residence around 9:40 p.m., where they found Mills suffering from a gunshot wound to her abdomen and Spillner unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
Mills allegedly told police that she and Spillner, who had been friends for about a year, were hanging out that evening when they decided to smoke marijuana. Shortly afterward, Mills claimed, they both became paranoid.
Alleged Paranoia and Fatal Mistake
In her statement to investigators, Mills said that she believed Spillner was about to stab her after seeing the victim make a sudden movement with her hand. Acting on that fear, Mills reportedly grabbed a handgun from her bedroom and fired, striking Spillner.
“She did not intend to kill her friend,” Mills allegedly told police, according to Fox 6 Milwaukee.
Authorities, however, say the evidence supports a reckless act that resulted in Spillner’s death. Mills was taken into custody shortly after the incident and has remained jailed since.
Victim Remembered as ‘A Light to Everyone’
A GoFundMe campaign created by Spillner’s family described her death as “an unimaginable loss,” sharing heartfelt tributes to the young woman’s spirit and generosity.
“Ariel was a light to everyone who knew her — she had the most giving soul with the biggest heart,” the family wrote. “She loved deeply: her family, her friends, her dogs, and the simple joys of life. Ariel was an outstanding athlete, a loyal friend, and someone who always looked for ways to help others.”
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The family added that Spillner had “such a bright future” and that her sudden death has left them “heartbroken.”
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
According to Milwaukee County Jail records, Mills’ bond has been set at $150,000, and she remains in custody pending her next court appearance on Nov. 17.
Investigators have not disclosed additional details about the weapon or the type of marijuana used but confirmed that the case remains under active review by prosecutors.
The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations in Wisconsin about mental health, substance use, and gun access, as loved ones and classmates continue to grieve the loss of a promising young life.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case and the dangers of paranoia-induced violence? Share your views in the comments at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
