On June 30, 2023, Susan Lorincz, 60, fired a single shot through a metal door, killing Ajike “A.J.” Owens, 35. According to the Associated Press, the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between the two over Owens’ children playing outside in a grassy area near both houses. Owens went to her neighbor’s house after her children said Lorincz threw roller skates and an umbrella at them. Lorincz, however, told detectives that she fired the gun out of fear for her life. She also said she had been harassed for the majority of her time living in the neighbourhood.

“I thought I was in imminent danger,” Lorincz told detectives during a recorded interview. Lorincz’s lawyers claimed that their client’s conduct were permitted by Florida’s “stand your ground” law, and that Owens’s “aggressive” behaviour terrified her. An autopsy revealed that Owens was substantially larger and younger than Lorincz. However, prosecutors maintained there was no proof that Owens presented a physical threat to the defendant. The Floridian now faces up to 30 years in jail for manslaughter, while no sentencing date has been set. “The defendant’s choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives,” State Attorney William Gladson, whose office prosecuted the case, said in an announcement. “While today’s verdict can’t bring A.J. back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”

An attorney for Owens’ family said they intend to seek the maximum 30-year sentence, and Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, said she was relieved by the guilty decision. Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. Follow her on X for more updates.