Ariel Spillner was fatally shot in Milwaukee, a heartbreaking incident that left her parents and community in shock.
She was tragically killed in a double shooting on Milwaukee’s north side around 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, near 39th Street and Lancaster Avenue.
Police responded to the scene and found two women had been shot: Ariel, 26, died at the scene, while a 31-year-old woman was injured and taken to the hospital with non-fatal wounds.
Authorities confirmed that the surviving woman is also considered a suspect in the incident.
A suspect was taken into custody, and charges are being reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner officially identified Ariel as the victim.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Ariel Spillner’s Parents Are too Heartbroken to Speak Publicly!
Ariel Spillner, a 26-year-old pharmacy student from DeForest, Wisconsin, had been living in the Menomonee Falls area while in school.
She played collegiate basketball as a guard for Clarke University in Iowa, where she wore jersey number 30 and stood out in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
After graduating, she pursued her passion for healthcare at Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.
Additionally, she was a Black Belt in Karate at Karate America Lodi.
When the tragedy struck, she was nearing the completion of her degree.
Ariel’s tragic passing has left her Parents, James and Hope Spillner, friends, and entire community heartbroken.
Tributes poured in from both universities, honoring her legacy as a student-athlete and aspiring pharmacist.
One of her childhood friends, Teegan Pickarts, expressed her sadness, saying:
My heart is heavy today knowing a childhood friend was taken far too soon. Ariel had a way of lighting up every room she walked into and making everyone around her feel special. Memories of playing ball together, running around your house with Coco, and sharing a homeroom with Mr. Ray all come flooding back when I think of you. My thoughts and prayers are with the Spillner family and all of Ariel’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Likewise, one Facebook user expressed deep concern and frustration over Ariel Spillner’s death, saying:
26-year-old Ariel Spillner who was shot and killed late Tuesday night near North 39th Street and West Lancaster Avenue in Milwaukee. She is one of the reasons you should not give the drug addicts money and the drug dealers need to meet them somewhere else keep that shit out of the community! I’ll speak your language, do you know how hot shit gonna be now? A white junkie dies in the black community they take it out on the black community! They won’t say she was troubled and on dope they’re gonna blame the people and the area! Really all of you need ta be flushed.
As her parents and family members requested privacy during this heartbreaking time, details about Ariel Spillner’s celebration of life and memorial have not been publicly shared.
Although Ariel Spillner passed away, her memory continues to stir powerful emotions across Wisconsin and beyond.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ariel Spillner’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest in Peace, Beautiful Soul!
