Susan Lorincz sentenced to 25 years in deadly 2023 shooting of neighbor 'AJ' Owens

Lorincz sentenced in deadly shooting of 'AJ' Owens

A judge has sentenced Susan Lorincz to 25 years in prison in the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike "AJ" Owens, in 2023. A jury found her guilty of manslaughter in August 2024.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A judge has sentenced Susan Lorincz to 25 years in prison in the fatal shooting of her neighbor in 2023.

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. She had faced a maximum of 30 years behind bars

Susan Lorincz reads statement at sentencing

Susan Lorincz is set to receive her sentence Monday after a jury found her guilty of manslaughter in August 2024 for the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike "AJ" Owens, in 2023.

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, something they said was merely a last-ditch attempt to save herself.

"I so wish I could go back and change things so she was still here," Lorincz said. "I never intended to kill anyone."

The family of Owens originally wanted Lorincz to be charged with second-degree murder. When she was convicted of manslaughter, they wanted the maximum sentence possible.

"The children are left for a lifetime of scars. Not 10, 20, 30 years," said the victim's mother, Pamela Dias. "A lifetime of scars and trauma."

Defense attorneys called up several people to speak to Lorincz’s character.

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.

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.

Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens [Credit: Family handout]

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.

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.

Susan Lorincz found guilty:

Lorincz was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm on August 16, 2024.

"Although my daughter is gone forever, the children’s mom is gone forever, we’ve achieved some justice for Ajike," Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, said after the guilty verdict was decided.

Dias says Owens's four children are in counseling, and this is a burden they’ll carry for the rest of their lives. However, the guilty verdict puts them on the path toward justice.

Susan Lorincz guilty in manslaughter

Susan Lorincz shot and killed AJ Owens last year over Owens' children playing near her yard. Owens' family was in court all week and say they are happy about the jury finding Lorincz guilty.

Statement from the Family of Ajike Owens Anticipating the Sentencing of Susan Lorincz:

"As we approach the sentencing of Susan Lorincz, our family remains focused on justice for Ajike. The jury’s guilty verdict of manslaughter with a weapon was an important step, but we now look to the court to follow that decision with the maximum penalty under the law.

We believe that standing on the right side of history requires holding those who commit racial violence fully accountable for their actions.

While no sentence can ever restore the life taken from us, the court’s decision will send a strong message about the value of Ajike’s life and the importance of justice for victims of senseless violence.

We are hopeful that the presiding judge will honor the jury’s decision and deliver a sentence that reflects the severity of this crime.

Ajike was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose life was taken from us far too soon. Our family continues to grieve this unimaginable loss, and we will never forget her love, herspirit, and her dedication to her children and her community".

Pamela Dias, Ajike’s mother, shared her thoughts ahead of the November 25th sentencing:

"Next week is another opportunity for our family to find some closure. While the pain of losing Ajike will never go away, we are hopeful that justice will prevail and that the court will give Susan

Lorincz the maximum penalty for her actions. Ajike’s legacy will live on in her children, and we will continue to fight for justice, love, and peace in her name. We extend our deepest gratitude to

everyone who has stood by Ajike’s family throughout this painful journey. Your support has been a source of strength".

New video of Susan Lorincz released

The Marion County Sheriff's Office released more bodycam video of previous incidents involving Susan Lorincz, who is facing charges in the shooting death of her neighbor, Ajike "AJ" Owens, following a longstanding dispute allegedly over where her children played.