Before the Weezer bassist's wife was shot, the LAPD released videos showing confusion and chaos.

The harrowing incident in which Weezer bassist Scott Shriner's wife, Shanelle Cartwright, was fatally shot earlier this month was captured on video by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The videos, composed of body camera footage and security recordings, reveal a harrowing scene filled with confusion, fear, and rapid decisions that culminated in fatal consequences. The incident unfolded on the evening of April 9, 2025, when LAPD officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a disturbance in the West Hollywood area. At the time, Shanelle Cartwright was said to be in a mental health crisis. She was armed and acting erratically when officers arrived, according to the LAPD statement. The released footage attempts to provide transparency into the tragic series of events. From the start of the footage, chaos is evident. Officers approach a residence where screaming can be heard from inside. Body camera video captures officers shouting commands, urging Cartwright to drop what appeared to be a weapon. Witnesses from the scene later confirmed that Cartwright was holding what looked like a handgun, though it was later revealed to be a replica firearm incapable of firing live ammunition. Within moments, the situation spiralled. Officers stepped in as soon as Cartwright left the house while still holding the replica weapon because they were concerned about an imminent threat. Despite repeated shouts from officers to "drop it", Cartwright advanced toward them. Cartwright was knocked to the ground after a number of officers opened fire. She was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre but later succumbed to her injuries. The LAPD emphasised that the officers involved believed they were responding to an active threat. "Our officers faced a rapidly unfolding situation," LAPD Chief Dominic Santos stated in a press conference following the release of the videos. They had to make decisions in a split second based on the information they had at the time. It is a tragedy for everyone involved, and our hearts go out to the Cartwright and Shriner families.” Scott Shriner, known for his two-decade-long career with the alternative rock band Weezer, has not spoken publicly about the loss. However, a family spokesperson released a brief statement asking for privacy and requesting that Shanelle’s life not be defined solely by the events of that night. “Shanelle was a vibrant, creative soul who struggled bravely with mental health issues,” the statement read. We hope that the general public will remember her for the love she gave and the light she brought to those around her. The videos have sparked a wider discussion about how law enforcement handles mental health crises. Activists and mental health advocates argue that incidents like these highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms, including the increased use of crisis intervention teams composed of officers trained specifically for mental health emergencies. “This didn’t have to happen,” said Darnell Jacobs, a representative of the Los Angeles Mental Health Advocacy Group. “We are calling once again for the city to fund and deploy more mental health crisis teams who can respond with the right tools and training when someone is in psychological distress.” LAPD officials say the department has expanded crisis intervention training for officers but acknowledge that more must be done. Chief Santos noted that the LAPD is reviewing its policies and exploring partnerships with mental health professionals to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has launched an independent investigation into the shooting, as is standard practice in officer-involved shootings. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The public has also expressed their emotions in response to the footage's release. Some viewers expressed sympathy for the difficult position the officers were placed in, while others demanded accountability, arguing that excessive force was used against someone clearly in crisis. Social media has become a battleground of opinions, with hashtags such as #JusticeForShanelle and #MentalHealthMatters trending across multiple platforms. Weezer fans have paid tribute to Shanelle on social media, sending condolences to Shriner and complaining about the systemic flaws that led to the tragedy. As Los Angeles grapples with yet another controversial police shooting, the Cartwright-Shriner family's grief serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the human toll behind these all-too-common headlines. The impact of this tragic incident remains to be seen, but for the time being, a family and a city mourn the loss of a life taken far too soon.