Jury Convicts White Florida Woman in Shooting Death of Her Black Neighbor During Ongoing Dispute
Woman Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting
After 2 1/2 hours of deliberation, a white woman, Susan Lorincz, aged 60, was convicted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a black neighbor, Ajike “A.J.” Owens, in Ocala, Florida. The all-white jury found Lorincz guilty; she now faces up to 30 years in prison at sentencing.
Defense Claims Self-Defense
Lorincz defended her actions, stating that she shot a single .380-caliber gunshot through her front door on June 2, 2023, acting in self-defense. She alleged fear for her life as she claimed Owens was yelling and pounding on her door. “I panicked… I don’t even actually remember picking up the gun, I just remember shooting,” Lorincz expressed during an interview with Marion County Sheriff’s investigators.
The fatal confrontation was the culmination of a dispute based on Owens’ children playing loudly outside, near both their houses. Lorincz claimed she had been continuously harassed over the course of living there for three years.
Verdict Elicits Emotional Response
Lorincz was escorted out of the courtroom immediately after the verdict was announced, showing no reaction or emotion. The victim’s family broke down in tears. The presiding Circuit Judge, Robert W. Hodges, has yet to set a sentencing date and has requested a background report on Lorincz.
Anthony Thomas, an attorney for the Owens family, said the family finds solace in the ruling but would push for the maximum 30-year prison term.
Ongoing Dispute Leads to Tragedy
The dispute between Lorincz and Owens revolved around Owens’ children playing boisterously in a grassy area nearby. Lorincz claimed the kids’ noisy play was a persistent annoyance, leading to her brusque reaction.
District Attorney William Gladson described the case as “a tragic reminder” of the consequences of quick-trigger decisions and gun violence. He highlighted the irreversible fact that four young children would grow up without their mother.
Legal Defense and Public Response
The defense argued that Lorincz was justified in her actions under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, highlighting that Owens was younger and significantly larger than Lorincz. However, the prosecution argued the claim of self-defense was invalid, as there wasn’t any evidence to suggest Owens posed any immediate physical threat.
The case, with its sensitive racial undertones, led to widespread surprise over the all-white jury selection. Protests sparked in the black community when prosecutors took several weeks to charge Lorincz with manslaughter, a lesser count than the potential life-prison-sentence-carrying crime of second-degree murder.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
