Jillian Lauren Shriner, a bestselling author and the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot by police and accused of attempted murder on April 8, 2025, in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. The incident unfolded as officers were searching for suspects involved in a hit-and-run accident when they encountered Shriner, who was allegedly armed with a handgun.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers were called to assist the California Highway Patrol in tracking down three suspects who had fled a vehicle after a crash on a nearby freeway. The suspects reportedly ran into the residential neighborhood, prompting police to establish a perimeter and begin their search.
As the officers were directed to the backyard of a residence, they observed Shriner, 51, in a neighboring yard with a handgun. The LAPD stated that officers ordered her to drop the weapon multiple times, but she refused. Instead, she pointed the gun at the officers, leading to an officer-involved shooting.
“At that point, there were some commands given, multiple commands to drop the gun, drop the weapon; unfortunately, it did result in an officer-involved shooting,” said Detective Meghan Aguilar during a press conference following the incident. The police fired at Shriner, striking her and prompting her to flee into her home.
After the shooting, Shriner was taken to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. She was later booked on suspicion of attempted murder while hospitalized. She managed to post a $1 million bond and was released on April 9. Shriner is set to appear in court on April 30.
Despite the serious charges against her, authorities later clarified that Shriner was not involved in the hit-and-run incident. The LAPD confirmed that a 9mm handgun was recovered from her residence after the shooting.
The situation raises numerous questions, particularly regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Detective Aguilar noted that it remains unclear from the body-worn police footage what exactly transpired before officers fired their weapons. “It’s not clear if she fired at officers or not,” Aguilar stated, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
As the LAPD's Force Investigation Division continues to look into the incident, they are also reviewing multiple videos and seeking access to any surveillance camera footage from the area to gain a clearer understanding of the events.
Jillian Shriner is known for her writing, including her best-selling memoir, "Some Girls: My Life in a Harem," which chronicles her experiences living in the harem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. She has authored several books and has been a journalist, gaining recognition in literary circles.
In addition to her literary career, Shriner is also known for her marriage to Scott Shriner, who has been the bassist for the rock band Weezer since 2005. The incident occurred just days before Weezer was scheduled to perform at the Coachella Festival on April 12, 2025, adding a layer of urgency and public interest to the unfolding story.
As the investigation continues, both the LAPD and the public are left to grapple with the implications of this incident. The shooting has sparked discussions about police protocols during high-stress situations and the complexities involved when civilians are armed.
While the LAPD has stated that no officers or community members were injured during the incident, the emotional toll on those involved, including Shriner and her family, is significant. The community is left to ponder the events that transpired in their neighborhood and the broader implications for law enforcement practices.
As the court date approaches, many will be watching closely to see how the legal proceedings unfold for Jillian Shriner. The intersection of celebrity, law enforcement, and public scrutiny will undoubtedly keep this story in the headlines.
