Jillian Shriner Cites Self-Defense in LAPD Shooting

Jillian Lauren Shriner, bestselling author and wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of grossly negligent discharge of a firearm and assault with a semiautomatic firearm after a police shooting outside her Eagle Rock home on April 8. Police allege Shriner pointed and fired her handgun at officers who were searching for hit-and-run suspects in the area, despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, prompting officers to shoot and wound her. Prosecutors declined to pursue attempted murder charges, instead focusing on the two felonies, which could carry up to 19 years in prison and a firearms sentencing enhancement. LAPD released body camera and surveillance footage showing officers warning Shriner, with some indications she may not have heard commands due to a helicopter overhead. Shriner claims she believed she was defending her home from suspects fleeing through the neighborhood. She has been released on $1 million bail and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on June 18.