(Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner via AP, Pool)
In 2023, Susan Lorincz fatally shot her neighbor, a mother of four, through a locked door. The court found the 60-year-old guilty of the death of Ajike Owens in August. Now, Susan is set to do more than two decades behind bars for the shooting, per NBC News.
Marion County Judge Robert Hodges called the shooting “completely unnecessary” and sentenced Susan Lorincz to 25 years in prison. The judge pointed out that Susan was behind a locked door,” suggesting there wasn’t an immediate danger to her life.
For context, Ajike Owens approached Susan’s front door in June 2023. The 35-year-old had allegedly planned to confront her neighbor over an incident involving her kids. Susan reportedly yelled and threw items at the children for playing near her home. Residents familiar with the 60-year-old previously stated that Susan had a history of harassing the neighborhood kids and using racial slurs. Note that Lorincz is a white woman and that this wasn’t her first confrontation with Owens or his kids.
However, before the neighbors could speak face-to-face, Lorincz fired a .380-caliber handgun and struck Ajike. At the time of Owens’ death, her children were between the ages of three and 12, per NBC. An all-white jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter after talking the case out for about two and a half hours.
The 60-year-old initially faced 30 years behind bars, but the judge settled on 25 on Monday (Nov. 25). He rejected the idea that Susan deserved probation, as her defense tried to argue. However, Judge Hodges did consider Susan’s past.
“She’s a victim of child sex abuse was a significant mitigating factor, and she has no criminal record, which is also a significant factor,” the judge reportedly stated. “However, we also have a tremendous harm inflicted upon this family and the victim’s family.”
Ajike’s mother shared words with the court during sentencing. Pamela Dias opened up about mourning her daughter and their “hopes, dreams, and the future” they discussed. Pamela said she’s still trying to grasp that her daughter is dead and buried “underground, breathless, lifeless.”
“She won’t be present for the baptisms, the prom, graduations, their first love, their first breakups, engagements, marriages, children…all the important moments that a parent and a child share together,” Ajike Owen’s mom said. Adding, “Our pain and suffering didn’t end when Susan was found guilty of manslaughter. Our pain and suffering won’t end with today’s sentencing. Our pain and suffering will last a lifetime.”
Additionally, the 60-year-old convict spoke to the court about her guilt in taking Ajike’s life. She clarified that her intention was not to kill Owens and also spoke about medical professionals diagnosing her with PTSD over childhood abuse incidents.
“I am so sorry I took A.J.’s life. I never intended to kill her. I could not understand why she was so angry,” she reportedly stated. “I so wish I could go back and change things so she was still here. I would trade my life.” Adding, “I am just profoundly sad. Not only did a mother die, but a daughter and sister; I think of your family’s loss.”
