Susan Lorincz, a 60-year-old woman in Florida, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting her neighbor, 35-year-old Ajike “AJ” Owens, through a locked door. The incident occurred in June 2023 during a dispute involving neighborhood children.
At the sentencing on November 25, Judge Robert Hodges described the crime as “completely unnecessary.” He noted that at the time of the shooting, Lorincz was safe behind a locked door and had already called the police, who were on their way. “She was in a relatively safe position,” the judge remarked. “For some reason, she found a gun and came out instead of staying put.”
The judge emphasized that Lorincz was fully aware of her actions and understood that shooting someone was illegal. Her attorney did not provide any comments during the proceedings.
Leading up to the shooting, Lorincz had called 911, expressing that she felt threatened and feared for her life due to ongoing disputes with children in the neighborhood. During this call, she stated that no minors were armed. However, after a confrontation regarding some roller skates thrown at the children, Owens knocked on Lorincz’s door to discuss the issue. In response, Lorincz shot her through the locked door, tragically killing Owens in front of her young son.
In court, Lorincz expressed remorse, saying, “I am so sorry I took AJ’s life. I never intended to kill her.” Lorincz’s defense had previously referenced Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which permits individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are facing immediate danger.
Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, spoke emotionally in court, mourning not only the loss of her daughter but also the future they had envisioned together. “Our plans and promises to one another will never come to light,” she said.
