Susan Lorincz sits in court on the third day of her manslaughter trial in the shooting death of Ajike "AJ" Owens, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
ORLANDO, Fla. -
Susan Lorincz, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in November 2024 for the killing of her neighbor, Ajike "A.J." Owens, has filed an appeal to overturn her conviction.
A jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter for killing Ajike "A.J." Owens, 35, by firing a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun in June 2023, and she was charged in August.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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