Loreinz found guilty of fatally shooting her neighbor in Ocala, FL

State Attorney's Office, Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

Marion County, Florida - In an Ocala, Florida courtroom on Friday, August 16, 2024, jurors found 59 year-old Susan Louise Lorincz of Ocala, Florida guilty of manslaughter by use of a firearm, a first-degree felony, in a case that involved the death of her neighbor, 35 year-old Ajike "A.J." Owens, on June 2, 2023.

During the weeklong trial, prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Adam Smith, more than thirty witnesses were called to testify, by both the state and the defense.

Lorincz's conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Her sentencing date has not yet been released.

This case has received national news coverage since the shooting death of Ms. Owens on June 2, 2023. Ms. Lorincz's attorney maintains that Lorincz felt threatened by Ms. Owens, who was knocking on Lorincz's door, unarmed, when Lotincz shot Ms Owens, through the door into Ms. Owens' chest.

"This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. The defendant's choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives. While today's verdict can't bring A.J. back," said State Attorney Bill Gladson of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit after the verdict, "we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends."

The crime occurred at an apartment complex in the Quail Run neighborhood in Ocala. Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputies initially responded to the location due to a complaint of juveniles trespassing on private property. While officials were in route, the MCSO Communications Center received another call advising them that shots had been fired. Deputies arrived on scene, minutes later, to find Ajike Owens in the yard, in front of Lorincz's apartment, with a gunshot wound to the right side of her upper chest. First responders rendered aid to Ms. Owens, while a deputy found Ms. Lorincz inside her home and took her into custody.