A Florida jury is currently deliberating whether a 60-year-old White woman was justified in firing a fatal shot through the door of her central Florida apartment, resulting in the death of a Black mother during a neighborhood dispute.
The incident, which occurred on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, central Florida, stemmed from an ongoing disagreement over children playing outside the apartment building where the defendant, Susan Lorincz, resided.
According to reports, the victim, Ajike “A.J.” Owens, who was the mother of some of the children playing in the area, confronted Lorincz after an altercation involving the kids. Owens allegedly banged on Lorincz's door and was described as being loud and agitated.
Lorincz's defense attorney argued that his client felt threatened by Owens' behavior and believed she had no choice but to fire a single round from her handgun in self-defense. Witnesses testified hearing loud voices, pounding on the door, and a gunshot before Owens collapsed outside the apartment.
Yvonne Costa, a neighbor who lived adjacent to Lorincz, recounted hearing the commotion and the subsequent gunshot, prompting her to call 911 out of fear.
Lorincz has been charged with manslaughter and could face up to 30 years in prison. The state attorney's office considered a second-degree murder charge but ultimately determined there was insufficient evidence to support such a charge.
The jury will now deliberate on whether Lorincz's actions were justified under the circumstances or if she should be held accountable for the death of Ajike Owens.
