A Florida woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of her neighbour, Ajike "AJ" Owens, in a case that has reignited debates about racial justice and the state's controversial 'Stand Your Ground' laws.
The Fatal Confrontation
Susan Lorincz, 59, was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm and assault following the June 2023 incident in Ocala. The tragedy unfolded when Lorincz became embroiled in a dispute with Owens' children, who were playing in a field near their homes.
According to court testimony, Lorincz had repeatedly confronted the children and allegedly thrown a pair of skates that struck one child. When Owens approached Lorincz's front door to discuss the matter, the defendant fired a single shot through her closed door, striking the 35-year-old mother of four in the chest.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Prosecutors successfully argued that Lorincz's actions were racially motivated and could not be justified under Florida's self-defence statutes. Circuit Judge Robert Hodges handed down the maximum sentence possible under a plea agreement, stating that the shooting represented a "senseless and avoidable tragedy."
"This was not a case of self-defence," State Attorney William Gladson told the court. "Firing through a closed door at an unarmed woman standing outside violates the fundamental principles of our self-defence laws."
Family's Response and Community Impact
Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, describing her daughter as "the glue that held our family together." She spoke of the devastating impact on Owens' children, who witnessed the events leading to their mother's death.
The case has drawn national attention, with civil rights advocates highlighting what they describe as the unequal application of self-defence laws in cases involving Black victims. Community leaders in Ocala have called for greater accountability and reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
Under the terms of her sentence, Lorincz will serve the full 20-year term without possibility of early release, bringing a measure of closure to a case that has deeply divided this Florida community.
