Susan Lorincz Now. Inside Her Life 2 Years After Shooting and Killing Her Neighbor Through Her Front Door

Susan Lorincz became the focus of national attention in 2023 after she fatally shot Ajike “AJ” Owens through a locked front door in Ocala, Florida.

Authorities said Lorincz, a White woman in her late 50s, and Owens, a 35-year-old Black mother of four, had a years-long dispute over neighborhood children playing near their homes. The tension turned deadly on June 2, 2023, when Lorincz fired a single round through her door, striking Owens, who was unarmed and accompanied by her 10-year-old son.

The Lead-Up to the Shooting

Lorincz was known in the neighborhood for her frustration with local kids — including Owens’ children — playing in a nearby open field. She frequently complained to police, filmed the children, and used racial slurs, according to NBC News.

That night, Lorincz allegedly threw a roller skate at Owens’ 10-year-old son, hitting him in the foot. When Owens went to confront her neighbor, Lorincz shot through the locked door. She later told investigators she felt “threatened,” claiming self-defense.

Authorities, however, determined that her use of deadly force was not justified.

Charges and Arrest

Lorincz was arrested on June 7, 2023, and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. Prosecutors decided not to pursue a murder charge, explaining that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove intent.

According to the arrest affidavit obtained by The Associated Press, Lorincz admitted to using racial slurs toward neighborhood children in the past.

The Trial and Verdict

During her August 2024 trial, Lorincz’s defense argued that she was acting out of fear, claiming Owens was pounding on her door and threatening to kill her. Prosecutors countered that Owens posed no immediate threat — she was unarmed and the door was locked.

After only two hours of deliberation, the jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter, a charge carrying up to 30 years in prison.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence,” State Attorney William “Bill” Gladson said in a statement after the verdict.

Sentencing

In November 2024, Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During her sentencing, her sister testified that the two had suffered childhood abuse and mental health challenges, and a psychologist described Lorincz as suffering from PTSD.

Judge Robert Hodges rejected those arguments as mitigating factors.

“The shooting was completely unnecessary,” he said, noting that Lorincz was safe behind a locked door and had already called police before retrieving her gun.

Lorincz told the court, “I am so sorry I took AJ’s life. I never intended to kill her.” Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, later said she did not believe the apology was sincere.

Life in Prison

Lorincz is now serving her sentence at the Homestead Correctional Institution in South Florida, with a projected release date of April 8, 2048, according to WCJB.

In a 2025 interview with the local ABC affiliate, she expressed remorse while continuing to insist that she acted out of fear.

“I was terrified,” she said. “I just never, ever thought in a million years this would happen. It breaks my heart — I can’t take it back.”