Jurors heard closing arguments in the trial of a White woman accused of fatally shooting an unarmed Black mother during a dispute over children playing near her home. The defendant, Susan Lorincz, faces charges of manslaughter with a firearm and could receive up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
The prosecution argued that Lorincz intentionally fired the fatal shot through her front door, showing a reckless disregard for human life. The defense claimed that Lorincz feared for her safety and believed she had no choice but to shoot.
During the trial, Lorincz chose not to testify after expert witnesses testified about the circumstances of the shooting. Testimony revealed that the victim's mother struggled emotionally throughout the proceedings, expressing deep anguish over her daughter's death.
In a video shown to jurors, Lorincz recounted a history of disputes with the victim over noise and toys left outside her home. She claimed that the situation escalated when the victim threatened her and banged on her door, leading her to fear for her life and ultimately shoot in self-defense.
The case has sparked debate over self-defense laws and the use of lethal force in confrontations. The jury will now deliberate on whether Lorincz's actions were justified under the law.
