In a dramatic and shocking turn of events on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Jillian Lauren, the well-known author and wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers and later arrested for attempted murder. The incident unfolded during an active police operation in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, as officers searched for suspects involved in a hit-and-run crash.
What Happened?
According to official LAPD reports and multiple news outlets including The Associated Press, The Guardian, and People Magazine, LAPD officers were assisting California Highway Patrol (CHP) in tracking down three individuals who had fled the scene of a multi-vehicle collision that occurred around 3:25 PM on the 134 Freeway near Figueroa Street.
The hit-and-run suspects reportedly abandoned their vehicles and escaped on foot into the surrounding residential area of Eagle Rock, prompting a coordinated search operation by both LAPD and CHP. Officers were combing through the area near the 5300 block of Waldo Place when the situation took a sudden and unexpected turn involving someone entirely unrelated to the initial case.
Confrontation with Jillian Lauren
As officers established a perimeter around the area and searched properties near the crash site, they spotted Jillian Lauren in the front yard of her home, located directly adjacent to the house being searched for the hit-and-run suspects. To their shock, Lauren was reportedly seen holding a handgun.
Officers immediately issued multiple verbal commands instructing her to drop the weapon, but according to police reports, Lauren refused to comply. Instead, she is alleged to have raised the gun and pointed it toward the officers, prompting them to open fire in self-defense.
Lauren was struck in the shoulder by at least one bullet. Despite her injuries, she reportedly ran back inside her home, creating a tense and uncertain moment for responding officers.
Lauren Reemerges and Is Taken into Custody
Shortly after retreating into her house, Jillian Lauren reappeared, this time alongside her babysitter, according to local news outlets. Police officers then moved in to take her into custody. She was arrested without further resistance and immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment of her non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Investigators later recovered a 9-millimeter handgun from the Shriner residence, confirming that Lauren had been armed during the confrontation.
No Link to Hit-and-Run Case
Importantly, the LAPD has confirmed that Jillian Lauren had no connection to the original hit-and-run suspects or their flight from the scene. Her involvement in the incident appears to have stemmed solely from the moment she was seen with a weapon in proximity to the ongoing police activity.
Despite having no link to the original investigation, Lauren’s actions during the encounter led to her being booked on suspicion of attempted murder. She is currently in custody, and formal charges are pending.
As of the latest updates, it is unclear whether she has retained legal counsel, and no official statement has been released by her or her husband, Scott Shriner.
Who Is Jillian Lauren?
Jillian Lauren is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and public figure who has garnered media attention over the years for her memoirs and true-crime investigations.
Her breakout book, “Some Girls: My Life in a Harem” (2010), was a raw memoir detailing her experience as a teenage concubine in the harem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. She followed up with “Everything You Ever Wanted” (2015), a deeply personal story about parenting and adoption.
More recently, she received critical acclaim for “Behold the Monster” (2023), a chilling investigative work based on her interviews with Samuel Little, who the FBI has confirmed as America’s most prolific serial killer. Her work on the book also inspired the 2021 STARZ docuseries “Confronting a Serial Killer,” in which she featured prominently.
Lauren has long been respected for her in-depth reporting, candid storytelling, and advocacy work, especially surrounding issues of abuse, trauma, and adoption.
She and her husband, Scott Shriner, married in 2005 and share two adopted children. The family has lived in the Los Angeles area for several years.
Impact on Weezer’s Coachella Appearance
Scott Shriner is the longtime bassist for the Grammy-nominated rock band Weezer, which rose to fame with its 1994 debut “The Blue Album” and hits like “Buddy Holly”, “Say It Ain’t So”, “Island in the Sun”, “Beverly Hills”, and “Pork and Beans.”
Weezer is scheduled to perform at the upcoming Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, slated for Saturday, April 12, during the event’s first weekend lineup. They were announced as a last-minute addition to the bill.
As of now, there is no confirmation as to whether Shriner’s participation in the festival will be affected by the arrest and hospitalization of his wife. Neither Shriner, Weezer, nor the band’s representatives have issued any public comments regarding the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Statement
The LAPD has assigned its Force Investigation Division to review the incident thoroughly, following standard protocol for any officer-involved shooting. In its initial statement, the department confirmed that:
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No officers or other members of the public were harmed during the confrontation.
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Lauren was not a suspect in the hit-and-run being investigated.
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A loaded 9mm handgun was found at the scene and collected as evidence.
The use-of-force review is ongoing, and the case is expected to undergo scrutiny both internally and by the public, given Lauren’s public profile and the high-stakes nature of the encounter.
Public Reaction and Media Attention
The incident has sparked widespread media coverage, not only because of the celebrity connections but also due to the nature of the police response and Lauren’s previous advocacy and writing on violence, trauma, and justice.
Social media platforms have seen a mix of reactions, ranging from shock to concern, as fans of Jillian Lauren’s work and followers of Weezer await further developments. Some critics have raised questions about mental health, firearm access, and the pressure of public life, though no concrete evidence has been shared to support any theory beyond what LAPD has confirmed.
What Comes Next?
As of now, Jillian Lauren remains hospitalized under custody. The District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case and determine formal charges in the coming days.
The LAPD has not released the body cam footage of the incident yet, which may offer clearer insight into the moments that led to the shooting. Community leaders and civil rights groups have not made official statements, but the incident is likely to prompt renewed discussion about law enforcement engagement protocols and responses to armed civilians during non-related operations.
