Fla. Woman Who Fatally Shot Black Neighbor After Complaining About Her Kids Playing Outside Found Guilty

Mar. 15, 2025

Ajike Owens (left) and Susan Lorincz.Photo:FACEBOOK; MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

FACEBOOK; MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Susan Lorincz,the White woman who shot herBlack neighborthrough her front door after complaining about the neighbor’s children playing outside, has been found guilty of manslaughter.

In an interview with police, Lorincz admitted to “having used the n-word toward children out of anger in the past and also to calling children other derogatory terms,” according to the affidavit.

Ajike “AJ” Owens.Ajike Shantrell Owens/Faebook

Ajike Shantrell Owens/Faebook

Lorincz claimed that she acted in self-defense, according to authorities, and that Owens tried to break down her door prior to the shooting. Lorincz also claimed that Owens had come after her in the past and had previously attacked her.

During the investigation, authorities spoke to neighbors who reported that Lorincz was constantly harassing the children for playing near her home. One neighbor claimed to officers that Lorincz called in “false reports on them,” the affidavit states.

The sheriff’s officelater saidinvestigators determined that “Lorincz’s actions were not justifiable under Florida law,” and she was arrested on a manslaughter charge.

Despite a plea from Owens' family to bring murder charges, State Attorney Bill Gladson cited “insufficient evidence” to proceed with a charge of second-degree murder, a first-degree felony.

“My obligation as State Attorney is to follow the law in each case that I prosecute,” he said in astatement in June 2023. “I did so in this case, and while some may not agree with that decision, I can assure you that the decision was thoughtful and made without consideration of any factors other than the specific facts of this terrible crime.”

On aGoFundMe campaigncreated to support Owens' four children, the single mother was remembered for her “infectious personality” and as someone who had a “smile that would light up the room.”

“This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence,” Gladson said in the news release. “The defendant’s choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives.”

Gladson added, “While today’s verdict can’t bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”

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source: people.com