Susan Lorincz: The Florida Woman Who Fatally Shot Her Neighbor in 2023

The Tragic Incident That Shocked America

On June 2, 2023, a neighborhood dispute in Ocala, Florida escalated into a deadly tragedy that captured national attention. Susan Lorincz, then 58, fired a single shot from a .380-caliber handgun through her locked front door, killing 35-year-old Ajike "AJ" Owens, a mother of four who stood outside unarmed.

The shooting occurred after Lorincz threw a roller skate at Owens' 10-year-old son during an argument about children playing in a field near her apartment. When Owens came to confront Lorincz about the incident, accompanied by her young son, Lorincz responded with lethal force instead of dialogue.

Who Is Susan Lorincz?

Susan Lorincz was a resident of an Ocala apartment complex who developed a notorious reputation among neighbors for harassing local children. According to police reports and neighbor testimonies, Lorincz frequently called 911 to complain about children playing near her home, recorded them on her phone, and allegedly used racial slurs and threatened them with weapons.

Between January 2021 and June 2023, authorities responded to at least six calls related to disputes between Lorincz and her neighbors, particularly the Owens family. Neighbors described her as someone who would yell profanities at children, wave guns, and create an atmosphere of fear in what should have been a safe community environment.

The Legal Battle and Stand Your Ground Controversy

Lorincz was not immediately arrested after the shooting, sparking widespread outrage. She claimed self-defense under Florida's controversial Stand Your Ground law, which permits deadly force if someone reasonably believes they face imminent danger. However, investigators determined that Owens posed no real threat—she was unarmed, the door was locked, and police were already en route.

Four days after the shooting, on June 6, 2023, Lorincz was finally arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. Despite calls from Owens' family and civil rights advocates, prosecutors did not pursue second-degree murder charges, citing insufficient evidence.

The Trial That Gripped the Nation

In August 2024, Susan Lorincz stood trial in Marion County Circuit Court. Her defense attorneys argued she acted out of fear, claiming Owens was pounding on her door and threatening to kill her. Prosecutors countered that Lorincz had multiple safer alternatives—she could have stayed in her bedroom behind another locked door, waited for police who were already dispatched, or simply not retrieved her gun at all.

After just two hours of deliberation, the jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter on August 16, 2024. Judge Robert Hodges later stated the shooting was "completely unnecessary" and that Lorincz "was in a relatively safe position" behind her locked door.

Sentencing and Current Status

On November 25, 2024, Susan Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During the sentencing hearing, she apologized to Owens' family, stating, "I am so sorry I took AJ's life. I never intended to kill her." However, Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, found the apology insincere, telling reporters, "She never showed remorse."

Lorincz is currently serving her sentence at the Homestead Correctional Institution in South Florida. Her scheduled release date is April 8, 2048, when she will be 86 years old.

The Victims Left Behind

Ajike "AJ" Owens left behind four children, ages 3 to 12 at the time of her death. The children now live with their grandmother, Pamela Dias, in a new home far from the tragic scene. Owens' 10-year-old son witnessed his mother being shot, creating lasting psychological trauma that the family continues to address.

At the sentencing hearing, Dias powerfully stated: "Our pain and suffering didn't end when Susan was found guilty of manslaughter. Our pain and suffering won't end with today's sentencing. Our pain and suffering will last a lifetime."

The Netflix Documentary: "The Perfect Neighbor"

In October 2025, Netflix released "The Perfect Neighbor," a documentary that brought renewed attention to the case. The film uses police body camera footage and 911 calls to examine the escalating tensions between Lorincz and her neighbors. The documentary's title ironically references Lorincz's own description of herself to police as "the perfect neighbor."

Director Geeta Gandbhir, whose family was close to Owens, created the film to shine a light on how police and community systems failed to prevent the tragedy despite multiple warning signs over two years.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Debate

The Susan Lorincz case has reignited critical conversations about Stand Your Ground laws, racial bias in the justice system, and community safety. Studies show that homicides involving white shooters and Black victims are more likely to be ruled justifiable than cases with reversed racial dynamics.

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy at Owens' funeral, spoke directly to the systemic issues the case represents, emphasizing the importance of standing up against degradation and injustice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Lessons From a Preventable Tragedy

The case of Susan Lorincz and Ajike Owens serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked aggression, racial bias, and inadequate intervention can lead to irreversible tragedy. While Lorincz sits in prison and the Owens family rebuilds their lives without a beloved mother, the broader questions about justice, gun laws, and community safety remain as urgent as ever.

This case should prompt serious reflection on how communities can better identify and address escalating conflicts before they turn deadly, and how legal systems can ensure equal protection and justice for all citizens regardless of race.