Susan Lorincz’s name made national headlines after the tragic 2023 shooting of her neighbor Ajike “AJ” Owens in Ocala, Florida. The case quickly reignited debates about self-defense laws, race, and gun responsibility in America. Following her conviction for manslaughter, Lorincz is now serving a lengthy prison term. Here’s a full look at who she is, what happened, and where she is today.
Who Is Susan Lorincz?
Susan Lorincz, a Florida woman in her mid-50s, was living in an apartment complex in Ocala when she became embroiled in a long-running dispute with her next-door neighbor, Ajike “AJ” Owens — a 35-year-old Black mother of four.
Neighbors described ongoing tension between the two women, with multiple complaints about noise, children playing outside, and alleged harassment. Lorincz reportedly called the police several times over neighborhood disturbances and was accused of yelling racial slurs and threats at Owens’s children.
The conflict reached its tragic peak in June 2023.
The Night of the Tragedy
On June 2, 2023, Lorincz claimed she felt “threatened” after an earlier confrontation involving Owens’s children. According to reports, Lorincz had thrown a roller skate at one of the kids. That night, Owens went to Lorincz’s apartment to confront her about it, accompanied by her 10-year-old son.
When Owens knocked on Lorincz’s locked door, Lorincz fired a single shot through the closed door — striking Owens in the chest. The mother of four collapsed in front of her children and later died from the wound.
Police arrested Lorincz five days later after determining that Owens had been unarmed and that Lorincz’s actions did not constitute lawful self-defense.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Lorincz was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. She was not charged with second-degree murder because prosecutors concluded the evidence did not support intent to kill.
Her defense argued that Lorincz acted in fear, claiming Owens had pounded aggressively on the door. The prosecution countered that Lorincz was in no real danger and had fired without justification — pointing out that the door was locked and that Owens never entered the home.
The case drew national attention due to the racial undertones, with activists comparing it to other controversial “stand your ground” cases in Florida.
The Verdict and Sentence
In August 2024, Lorincz stood trial in Marion County. After a short two-hour deliberation, the jury found her guilty of manslaughter.
During sentencing in November 2024, the judge emphasized that Lorincz had acted out of anger and prejudice, not fear. She was sentenced to 25 years in state prison — the maximum penalty allowed under Florida law for manslaughter with a firearm.
The court described the shooting as “completely unnecessary and avoidable.”
Where Is Susan Lorincz Now (2025)?
As of 2025, Susan Lorincz is serving her sentence at Homestead Correctional Institution, a women’s prison located in South Florida.
Prison records indicate that her projected release date is April 8, 2048, meaning she will be in her late 70s when eligible for release — assuming she serves her full term without parole reduction.
Lorincz’s attorneys have filed an appeal, arguing that jury bias and media attention influenced the verdict. However, as of late 2025, the Florida appellate courts have not granted a retrial or sentence reduction.
Public Reaction and Broader Impact
The shooting and subsequent trial reignited national debate over Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows individuals to use deadly force if they fear for their safety.
Critics argued that Lorincz’s case exposed flaws in how self-defense claims are applied — particularly when racial bias is involved. Owens’s family, backed by civil rights groups, pushed for reforms that would limit the misuse of self-defense claims in domestic and neighborhood disputes.
The tragedy also inspired community programs in Ocala promoting nonviolent conflict resolution and racial equity education. Owens’s children, now being raised by family members, have received public support from organizations across the country.
Statements from Both Sides
During her sentencing, Lorincz told the court she was “terrified” on the night of the incident and claimed she never meant to kill Owens. However, prosecutors presented evidence of months of harassment that painted a picture of hostility rather than fear.
Owens’s mother, Pamela Dias, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, saying, “My daughter knocked on a door, and that door became her death sentence.” She also vowed to keep fighting for justice and awareness in her daughter’s name.
Ongoing Legal Developments
While Lorincz continues to serve her sentence, her defense team has hinted at filing further appeals based on procedural errors. They claim media coverage influenced public perception before the trial.
Prosecutors maintain that the evidence was clear: Lorincz fired through a locked door at an unarmed woman. The case is now cited in legal discussions around neighborhood conflict escalation and gun misuse in domestic settings.
A Case That Sparked National Reflection
The death of Ajike Owens and the conviction of Susan Lorincz have become a sobering example of how fear, prejudice, and access to firearms can combine with tragic consequences.
The story serves as a reminder that community disputes can escalate rapidly when empathy and restraint are lost. Activists continue to use this case to advocate for stronger gun safety measures and better enforcement of hate-crime protections.
Even as Lorincz begins her decades-long sentence, the broader social conversation about accountability, justice, and race in America continues.
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FAQs
1. Who is Susan Lorincz?
Susan Lorincz is a Florida woman convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting her neighbor Ajike “AJ” Owens in 2023.
2. What was Susan Lorincz charged with?
She was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and assault.
3. Where is Susan Lorincz now?
Lorincz is currently incarcerated at Homestead Correctional Institution in South Florida.
4. What was her sentence?
She was sentenced to 25 years in prison in November 2024.
5. When is her projected release date?
Her release date is set for April 8, 2048.
6. What happened to Ajike Owens’s family?
Owens’s four children are being raised by relatives and supported by community initiatives in her memory.
7. Has Susan Lorincz appealed her conviction?
Yes. Her attorneys have filed appeals, though no retrial has been granted as of 2025.
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