On Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released a series of videos documenting the controversial shooting of Jillian Lauren, a noted author and the wife of Weezer bass player Scott Shriner. The footage portrays the chaotic moments leading up to the incident, during which Lauren mistakenly identified LAPD officers as armed suspects and fired a weapon at them. This incident has sparked significant media attention and public debate regarding self-defense and property protection.
The shooting occurred earlier this month, as LAPD officers were collaborating with the California Highway Patrol to track down three suspects involved in a hit-and-run accident near the 134 Freeway and Figueroa Street. During their pursuit, officers encountered Lauren, who was seen walking in the backyard of her Eagle Rock home while armed with a gun.
The video compilation, sourced from officers’ body-worn cameras and nearby surveillance footage, illustrates the confusion that preceded the shooting. Officers could be heard pleading with Lauren to drop her weapon for several minutes, but their visibility was obstructed by a fence surrounding her yard. According to audio captured from a 911 call made by a neighbor, Lauren believed she was under fire from one of the suspects involved in the hit-and-run.
Security camera footage reveals a tense situation as Lauren, dressed in a purple Weezer T-shirt and black tights, moved around her yard, appearing vigilant while holding a black handgun. Officers shouted instructions from the other side of the fence, urging her to lower her weapon. Despite their warnings, Lauren reportedly raised her gun, prompting a rapid response from the police.
Audio from the police body cameras captured the moment when an officer indicated that Lauren had "racked" her gun, followed by a swift succession of gunfire—at least six shots. Shortly after the shooting, Lauren was seen retreating towards her home, and a neighbor called 911 to report that she had been shot at by three individuals.
Following the shooting, Lauren remained in her home for approximately one hour before she surrendered to the LAPD officers outside. Video footage shows her lying on the street while officers placed her in handcuffs, noting that she sustained a gunshot wound to her arm. She was subsequently transported to a hospital for medical care.
The LAPD recovered a Glock 9mm handgun and a spent shell casing from the scene. While one of the hit-and-run suspects was briefly detained, they were released after questioning, pending further charges. Lauren was booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer and has since posted bail. As of now, it remains uncertain whether the case has been forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges.
The circumstances surrounding Lauren's shooting have ignited discussions regarding the justification of her actions in defending her property. With her celebrity status and the dramatic nature of the incident, public opinion varies widely. Some argue that her response was a legitimate act of self-defense, while others question the wisdom of her decision to confront what she believed were armed assailants.
Jillian Lauren is a bestselling author renowned for her memoir, “Some Girls: My Life in a Harem,” published in 2010. The memoir recounts her experiences in the harem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. In 2023, she released a new book titled, “Behold the Monster: Facing America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer,” based on her extensive interviews with serial killer Samuel Little.
As Lauren prepares to appear in court at the end of the month, the unfolding details of this shocking incident continue to captivate public interest and raise questions about safety, self-defense, and the complexities of engaging with law enforcement.
