A white Florida woman who fatally shot her Black neighbor through her front door is set to be sentenced Monday and could face up to 30 years in prison for manslaughter.
Susan Lorincz, 60, who was convicted of killing 35-year-old Ajike "A.J." Owens, faces the maximum sentence due to the involvement of a firearm in the crime.
The case sparked protests in Ocala's Black community when prosecutors delayed for weeks before charging Lorincz with manslaughter—a lesser offense than second-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence.
Lorincz fatally shot Owens in June 2023 with a single bullet from her .380-caliber handgun during an ongoing dispute over Owens' children.
Lorincz Claimed She Acted in Self-Defence
There was a dispute between the two neighbors over Owens' children playing in a nearby grassy area.
According to prosecutors, Owens went to Lorincz's home after her children alleged that Lorincz had thrown roller skates and an umbrella at them, a claim Lorincz denied.
Lorincz said that Owens was pounding on her door and shouting.
"I thought I was in imminent danger," Lorincz told detectives, claiming she feared for her life and had faced harassment during her three years living in the neighborhood.
In a 911 call reported by WESH 2 News in Florida, Lorincz said, "She was trying to breakdown my door. I didn't know what to do. I grabbed my gun, and I shot at the door."
'Shaking' and Then a Gunshot
Yvonne Costa, Lorincz's next-door neighbor, testified that she heard loud voices before the shooting but couldn't discern the words.
"The wall in between our two apartments started shaking," Costa said. "It was very loud. And it scared me."
Costa said that shortly after the banging began, she heard a gunshot, after which she ran to her bedroom and called the police.
In August, an all-white jury rejected Lorincz's self-defense argument and convicted her of manslaughter.
State Attorney William Gladson explained that his office had considered charging Lorincz with second-degree murder but decided against it due to insufficient evidence to prove "hatred, spite, ill will, or evil intent" toward Owens.
Owens' Family Push for Maximum Penalty
Owens' family has advocated for the maximum penalty.
"While the pain of losing Ajike, we are hopeful that justice will prevail and that the court will give Susan Lorincz the maximum penalty for her actions," said Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, in an email statement before Monday's sentencing. "Ajike's legacy will live on through her children, and we will continue to fight for justice."
Lorincz's attorney, Assistant Public Defender Amanda Sizemore, has requested a sentence below the minimum 11.5 years required by state guidelines.
Sizemore said that claims that Owens was the aggressor during the confrontation should warrant a reduced sentence for this client.
Marion County, which includes Ocala, has a Black population of about 12 percent, according to census figures.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press
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