OCALA, FL – A Florida woman, Susan Louise Lorincz, 60, was convicted this week for the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike “A.J.” Owens, a 35-year-old Black mother of four. The incident occurred when Lorincz fired a gun through her locked front door, killing Owens who was standing on the porch with her children. The jury, composed entirely of white members, found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter by use of a firearm after more than two hours of deliberation.
The victim’s mother, Pamela Dias, expressed relief at the verdict. She stated that while the journey to justice had been long, the verdict brought some peace and lightness to her heart. The case, according to Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney, serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence. He emphasized that Lorincz’s actions have left four children motherless, a loss that will be felt throughout their lives.
The incident took place on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida, approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing call around 9 p.m. at the same location where a shooting was reported. Upon arrival, deputies found Owens suffering from a gunshot wound in front of Lorincz’s apartment. Despite immediate medical assistance and subsequent hospitalization, Owens succumbed to her injuries.
Investigations revealed that Lorincz had grown increasingly frustrated with Owens’ children playing near her home. This frustration escalated into a series of confrontations, culminating in the fatal shooting. On the day of the incident, Lorincz reportedly yelled at the children and threw a roller skate at Owens’ 10-year-old son. When Owens confronted Lorincz about the incident, Lorincz fired a shot through her door, fatally wounding Owens.
Lorincz, in her defense, claimed she acted in self-defense, alleging that Owens had tried to break down her door and had previously attacked her. However, investigators concluded that Lorincz’s actions were not justifiable under Florida law. She was arrested four days after the incident, on June 6, 2023.
Lorincz now faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. The date for her sentencing has not yet been determined.