OCALA, Fla. – The family of an Ocala woman who was shot and killed by her neighbor spoke on the second day of the manslaughter trial.
The jury will determine whether 60-year-old Susan Lorincz was justified when she shot through her locked front door on June 2, 2023, and killed Ajike “A.J.” Owens during an ongoing dispute over neighborhood children. The shooting happened after Owens confronted Lorincz, who had allegedly yelled at two of Owens’ children and threw a roller skate.
Just before the court broke for lunch on Wednesday, the jury was able to see the detectives question Lorincz following the shooting as they worked to understand why she fired the gun.
“I’ve seen testimony, the interrogation where she showed no remorse, continues to show no remorse,” said Pamela Dias, Owens’ mother. “She displayed the utmost care and concern for her cats as she literally just shot and killed a mom of four. I have to dig deep within my strength, my faith, to hold it all together.”
Lorincz is claiming self-defense in this case. Her defense attorneys say she was in fear for her life when she fired her gun.
Owens’ children were expected to testify, including one of the victim’s sons who was standing next to her when she died.
“Despite their grief, AJ’s sons, Isaac (13) and Izzy (10) are determined to testify on behalf of their mother. They do so out of profound love and respect for her, understanding that their voices are crucial in the pursuit of justice,” Anthony D. Thomas, one of the attorneys representing the family of AJ Owens, said in a statement.
The trial could last until Friday.
If convicted, Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison.
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