Wisconsin – In a horrific incident in Wisconsin, a 32‑year‑old woman, identified as J. Mills, is charged with first‑degree reckless homicide and use of a dangerous weapon in connection with the fatal shooting of her 26‑year‑old friend and a pharmacy student, identified as A. Spillner. Prosecutors allege that the incident occurred after the two women smoked marijuana together in an area known for crime and drug activity. Authorities say Mills became paranoid, believing her friend would stab her, and so retrieved a gun, then shot Spillner in the stomach around 9:40 p.m. on November 4. Spillner was later pronounced dead at the scene. Mills also sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and police found a handgun and two spent casings in the home. The complaint notes that Mills initially told investigators she did not mean to kill Spillner and claimed she accidentally shot herself in the stomach after firing at her friend.
The tragic events began when Spillner visited Mills’ residence. According to court documents, the two friends smoked marijuana together. Authorities say the pair became “paranoid” during or after consumption. Mills told detectives that Spillner was supposed to cut her dog’s hair using scissors, but then a “hand motion” by Spillner triggered her fear. Mills believed she was about to be stabbed and ran to her bedroom to fetch a gun. Upon returning, she shot Spillner in the stomach. First responders arrived at the home and found Mills conscious but on the floor, wounded by a gunshot. Spillner was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene. The handgun and shell casings were discovered during a search warrant execution. Mills was transferred to a hospital but reportedly became combative and uncooperative during questioning. She initially said she could not recall what happened before waking up at the hospital. Later she admitted to the smoking session and the paranoia that followed.
Investigators say the crime scene was consistent with Mills’ later admission: a gun, two casings, and forensic evidence tying the weapon to the fatal shot. Aerosol or drug remnants at the site were part of the examination, although toxicology results remain pending. Because the area had a history of illicit activity, including drug exchanges and violent crimes, the wider community has responded with shock and concern. Spillner’s sister described her as “the best person you could ask for,” with an “infectious laugh” and bright future ahead of her.
Mills was booked into the county jail. Her bond has been set at $150,000 cash, and she remains in custody pending further proceedings. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 17. While no trial has yet concluded, the charge of first‑degree reckless homicide and use of a dangerous weapon carry serious penalties under Wisconsin law. Authorities have explicitly declined to confirm whether a plea deal is being discussed. Spillner’s family has publicly opposed any lenient plea offer and said they “hope the pharmacy student gets the justice that she deserves.”
The shooting has already fueled broader debate in Wisconsin, prompting lawmakers to renew calls to outlaw THC products entirely, citing the case as an example of how marijuana‑related paranoia may lead to deadly violence. While the substance’s exact role has not been officially proven, public comment and media coverage have flagged the case as a turning point in drug‑policy discussions. As the legal process moves forward, the community remains haunted by the loss: a promising young woman, in the final stretch of her pharmacy degree, shot dead in what initially appeared to be a normal friend visit. Her future, and the trust of those around her, vanished in a moment of fear and violence that authorities now charge as homicide. The court will next determine whether Mills’ actions meet the standards of first‑degree reckless homicide and what sentence she may face—but for Spillner’s loved ones, justice and closure may feel too distant to count on.
