AJ Owens family to hold a virtual press conference following the 25 year sentencing of Susan Lorincz
ORLANDO, Fla. - The family of Ajike "AJ" Owens is set to hold a virtual press conference after Susan Lorincz was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison in the fatal shooting of "AJ", her neighbor, in 2023.
According to the press release, "This case has highlighted the racial disparities often perpetuated by such laws and has become a critical moment in the call for systemic reform".
The family and their representatives will share a special announcement about the next steps in their advocacy, according to the release.
The virtual press conference is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live on FOX35.com and the FOX Local app.
Lorincz, 60, was convicted in August of killing Ajike "A.J." Owens, 35, by firing a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun in June 2023.
Lorincz sentenced to 25 years in prison
During sentencing, Fifth Circuit Judge Robert Hodges opted for a slightly lesser term than the maximum of 30 years.
"The shooting was completely unnecessary in this case," Hodges said during an afternoon hearing. "The shooting, I find, was based more in anger than in fear."
Lorincz read a statement in court that included an apology to the victim's family, "I so wish I could go back and change things so she was still here," Lorincz said. "I never intended to kill anyone."
Owens' family originally wanted Lorincz to be charged with second-degree murder, but when she was convicted of manslaughter the family hoped for the maximum sentence.
What happened on June 2, 2023?
On June 2, 2023, Lorincz called 911, complaining about kids who were playing in a field next to her apartment. Right before making the call, Lorincz had been videotaping the kids playing outside.
Witnesses said she threw roller skates at them and swung an umbrella toward them.
Lorincz told the 911 dispatcher the young children had threatened her, and she was scared for her life.
Read more: Susan Lorincz: What we know about Florida woman accused of shooting her neighbor
Owens went over to confront Lorincz at her unit. Her oldest son was one of the kids playing in the field, and he had told his mother about Lorincz's actions.
Susan Lorincz manslaughter trial: 911 call played in court
The manslaughter trial for Susan Lorincz began on Tuesday morning. The 911 operator who received the call from Lorincz on the night of the shooting in June 2023 was in court. The 911 audio was played for the jurors, which depicts Lorincz telling the operator that she shot her neighbor, Ajike "AJ" Owens.
Several witnesses testified that Owens was banging on the door hard and yelling loudly and angrily.
Lorincz said she thought Owens was going to kill her, but she was standing inside her home with a door between them.
Instead of going into another room or calling the police again, Lorincz grabbed a gun from her bedroom and shot through the door – not knowing if anyone else was present or if Ajike Owens was armed.
Owens died from the gunshot wound.
One of Owens' sons was nearby and watched as she was shot and killed.
FOX 35 Susan Lorincz Trial Coverage:
- Susan Lorincz Trial Day 1: Neighbors, deputies, investigators recall night of shooting
- Susan Lorincz Trial Day 2: Suspect was on narcotics during deadly shooting, prosecutors say
- Susan Lorincz Trial Day 3: State rests in trial of woman accused of shooting, killing neighbor through door
- Susan Lorincz trial: Jury finds woman guilty of manslaughter for shooting Ocala neighbor through front door
- Susan Lorincz seeks reduced sentence in AJ Owens manslaughter conviction