The family of Ajike “A.J.” Owens was “disappointed” to learn that her accused killer has been charged with manslaughter rather than murder, attorneys for Owens’ loved ones said Tuesday, adding that their focus will now shift to ensuring prosecutors win a conviction.
Susan Lorincz, Owens’ white 58-year-old neighbor, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter for shooting Owens, a Black 35-year-old mother of four, during a confrontation June 2 in Ocala.
“We want our time during the sentencing hearing to let [Circuit] Judge [Robert] Hodges know that Susan deserves all 30 years of that 30-year maximum sentence,” Anthony Thomas, the family’s local attorney, said during an online press conference Tuesday.
