Milwaukee residents are grappling with the aftermath of a shooting that left a local pharmacy student dead and another woman injured and under arrest. The incident occurred on Tuesday night near the intersection of 39th Street and Lancaster Avenue, in a usually peaceful section of the city's north side.
26-year-old Ariel Spillner, identified by her family, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. According to FOX6 News, the second victim, a 31-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with nonfatal injuries and is currently in custody. "It's terrifying, and it's scary, and I'm just wishing someone can give us some answers," said Hershey Sebring, a neighbor, reflecting the community's shock and desire for clarity on the tragic events.
Spillner, who hailed from DeForest, Wisconsin, was a student at the Concordia University School of Pharmacy, with just one year left in her studies. "She had a beaming smile and infectious laugh," the victim's loved ones shared, as per WISN 12 News. The same neighbors who speak of her vibrant personality now seek answers for her untimely death. Steven Reese, who resides nearby, expressed his dismay, telling WISN 12 News, "To just have a life taken away from her, that's not good. That's sad. And, it just hurts my heart to hear about somebody like that. A college student?"
Further details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting are still emerging. Hershey Sebring, who claims the 31-year-old woman involved is her niece, went to the crime scene looking for explanations. "They said they heard a lot of arguing, yelling, and screaming, and all of a sudden they heard a big ol' boom," Sebring recounted in a statement detailed by WISN 12 News. When confronted with the possibility that her niece could be the suspect, Sebring said, "My niece is living. She gone tell y'all what happened."
Concordia University extended its condolences, with the institution stating to WISN 12 News, "The Concordia University community is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ariel Spillner, a student in our School of Pharmacy. Our hearts and prayers are with Ariel’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved her. Counseling and pastoral care are being offered to members of our campus community as we grieve together. We take comfort in the promise of Christ’s presence and pray for God’s peace to surround all who mourn Ariel’s passing."
Milwaukee Police have not yet released details regarding the incident. WJFW.com confirmed the death of Ariel Spillner and reported that the investigation remains ongoing.
