A white Florida woman, Susan Lorincz, 60, faces sentencing for manslaughter after fatally shooting her Black neighbor, Ajike “A.J.” Owens, 35, during a dispute in June 2023. Convicted in August, Lorincz could receive up to 30 years in prison for using a firearm in the killing, which occurred in Ocala, 80 miles northwest of Orlando.
The incident stemmed from a prolonged conflict between the neighbors over Owens’ children playing in a shared grassy area. Owens confronted Lorincz after her children accused Lorincz of throwing roller skates and an umbrella at them. Lorincz denied the allegations but admitted to shooting Owens through her front door, claiming self-defense as Owens yelled and pounded on the door. She told detectives she feared for her life, citing years of harassment in the neighborhood. However, jurors rejected her self-defense argument.
Owens’ family is advocating for the maximum sentence, with her mother, Pamela Dias, emphasizing the need for justice. Lorincz’s attorney, Amanda Sizemore, has requested a reduced sentence, citing Lorincz’s mental health issues and claims that Owens was the aggressor. The case initially sparked protests in Ocala’s Black community after prosecutors charged Lorincz with manslaughter rather than second-degree murder.
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