News Summary
Jillian Lauren, a bestselling author, has been granted mental health diversion following a police shooting incident in her backyard. The judge’s decision allows her to avoid jail time while she adheres to therapy and abstains from alcohol and firearms over the next two years. The chaotic incident occurred during a police pursuit, where Lauren was present with a firearm, leading to her discharge of the weapon at officers. The legal agreement acknowledges her mental health issues, and if she fulfills the required conditions, her charges will be dismissed.
Los Angeles – Bestselling author Jillian Lauren has been granted mental health diversion by a judge following a shooting incident involving Los Angeles police officers in her backyard. The decision allows Lauren to avoid jail time due to recognized mental health issues, as she will fulfill specific requirements over the next two years to have charges dismissed.
On Thursday, Judge Susan J. DeWitt approved Lauren’s diversion agreement. As part of the program, the 52-year-old must refrain from firearm ownership, avoid drugs and alcohol, and attend therapy sessions. If she complies with these conditions within the designated period, all charges against her will be expunged.
The incident occurred in April when LAPD officers were pursuing suspects from a hit-and-run accident with the California Highway Patrol’s assistance. The chase led officers into Lauren’s Eagle Rock backyard, where she was present but had no connection to the initial hit-and-run. Upon arrival, police discovered Lauren armed with a handgun, reportedly refusing to obey commands to drop her weapon.
In a subsequent series of events, Lauren discharged her firearm at the officers, who did not sustain injuries. Police returned fire, resulting in a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to Lauren’s arm. A 9mm Glock handgun was recovered from her residence, along with a spent shell casing. The chaotic nature of the incident was documented by a police helicopter, which captured video of the scene, including officers giving loud commands.
Prior to the judge’s ruling, Lauren faced serious charges. She was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer but later charged with assault and negligent discharge of a firearm. Following her arrest, which occurred about an hour after the shooting, Lauren was released on a $1 million bail.
Requests for mental health diversion were not contested by prosecutors, indicating a shared belief that this course of action was appropriate. Lauren’s legal representatives emphasized the agreement as a suitable resolution following the incident. It has been revealed that a neighbor called 911 during the event, stating that Lauren appeared confused and thought she was being targeted by suspects.
Beyond her involvement in this incident, Lauren is known for her work as an author, having written several memoirs, including “Some Girls: My Life in a Harem” and “Behold the Monster: Facing America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer.” She is married to Scott Shriner, the bassist for the band Weezer.
As the case continues to develop, Lauren’s commitment to her mental health and adherence to the diversion program will determine the outcome of her charges in the following years.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Jillian Lauren
- Rolling Stone
- Google Search: Jillian Lauren mental health diversion
- Hollywood Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Shooting
- ABC7
- Google News: Weezer bassist wife shooting

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