Florida woman convicted of fatally shooting her neighbor

A woman who shot her neighbor through her front door in June 2023 has been convicted of manslaughter by a Florida jury.

Susan Lorincz, a 60-year-old white woman, shot and killed Ajike “AJ” Owens, a 35-year-old black woman, when she knocked on Lorincz’s door because of an argument about children playing outside.

Lorincz's lawyers argued that she fired in self-defense. According to Owens' family and an affidavit of arrest, Before the shooting, Lorincz had shouted racist slurs at Owens' children.

The incident occurred following a series of disputes between the two women, which resulted in police being called at least six times since January 2021.

Lorincz was in her home when she opened fire with a pistol, hitting Owens in the chest.

The incident is believed to have stemmed from an altercation that occurred earlier in the day when Lorincz yelled at Owens' children and hit one of them with a pair of ice skates.

Prosecutors had argued that there was no immediate threat to Lorincz's safety when she fired through her locked metal door, even though she knew Owens was on the other side.

Prosecutor Rich Buxman said the defendant acted “with complete disregard for the lives of others.”

“She pointed a loaded gun at a door, at a person she knew was on the other side of the door, and intentionally pulled the trigger. That shows a reckless disregard for human life,” he told jurors, according to CNN.

The all-white jury in Florida reached its verdict on Friday after less than three hours of deliberation.

The trial lasted a week. Lorincz will be sentenced at a later date and faces up to 30 years in prison.

According to reporters in court, Owens' mother immediately praised the verdict.

“Oh God, thank you, Jesus!” said Pamela Dias.

Owens leaves behind four children aged four to 13.

Lorincz was arrested five days after the shooting after investigators initially decided not to press charges against her based on the self-defense doctrine known as “Stand Your Ground.”

In 2005, Florida enacted a “Stand Your Ground” law that gives individuals the right to protect themselves with reasonable force—including deadly force—to prevent death or bodily harm.

At least 28 states have stand-your-ground laws in place.

Prosecutor Bill Gladson issued a statement following the verdict on Friday. Ocala Star-Spangled Banner Newspaper, which states: “This case has always been about getting justice for the victim and her children.”

“Cases involving self-defense are often difficult because jurors must decide whether a particular person's response to a situation is legally appropriate or not.”

“We are pleased with their decision and believe that while nothing can bring AJ Owens back, this verdict brings her killer to justice,” he added.