MILWAUKEE, WI – A 29-year-old woman is in custody following the violent death of her mother after authorities allege she attacked the older woman with a rock at their Milwaukee home, bringing an end to a troubled history between the pair that spanned several years.
Lauren Spors faces a count of first-degree intentional homicide and an additional domestic abuse charge in connection with the death of her mother, 64-year-old Carrie Zettel. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of Oct. 12, when Zettel called 911 to report her daughter’s escalating aggression inside their West Ramsey Avenue residence.
Responding officers arrived within minutes of Zettel’s urgent call. They discovered the mother in the backyard, suffering extensive head trauma. Spors, according to investigators, appeared at the scene with blood on her clothing, and a large, blood-stained rock—believed to be the murder weapon—was found nearby in the grass.
Police say another witness called 911 and reported seeing Spors striking Zettel multiple times with a heavy object. Paramedics pronounced Zettel dead at the scene, and officers took Spors into custody at the residence.
Records reveal the relationship between Spors and her mother had long been fraught with conflict, marked by restraining orders, allegations of past violence, and recurring mental health struggles. In early 2018, Zettel reportedly told friends she suspected her daughter was responsible for the death of Spors’ father, Jeffrey Spors. Although Zettel told investigators her daughter had struck Jeffrey with glass bottles, a medical examiner attributed his death to complications from pain medication, and no charges were filed.
In the months after her father’s death, Spors was ordered not to contact her mother. Authorities say she twice violated that restraining order, but judges at the time found her mentally unfit for prosecution. Court records show Spors was often in and out of mental health institutions and under evaluation over the following years.
Friends of the victim say Zettel had become increasingly fearful for her safety as her daughter’s behavior deteriorated. In the weeks leading up to the fatal attack, Zettel confided in loved ones about her escalating anxiety. A close friend recounted that Zettel even expressed concerns that she might soon be harmed, commenting grimly that such an outcome might finally prompt the intervention her daughter needed.
On the morning of the killing, Zettel reportedly left a voicemail for a friend detailing Lauren’s attempts to break into her home, noting that she was forced to call 911 for assistance. Officers responded on that occasion, but Spors managed to flee before she could be apprehended.
Following her arrest, Spors was booked into the Milwaukee County Jail. Authorities set bond at $100,000 as she awaits her next court appearance, scheduled for Nov. 21. Court documents indicate that investigators are reviewing evidence and the defendant’s history as the homicide case proceeds.
Officials have not released any further details regarding the ongoing investigation or any additional charges. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release further findings once the autopsy is complete.
