Susan Lorincz sentenced to 25 years for shooting neighbor through door: ‘I’m grateful for the sentence'
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A woman was sentenced on Monday to 25 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for shooting through her front door and killing her neighbor Ajike “AJ” Owens.
Susan Lorincz, 60, was convicted in August and on Monday the judge sentenced her to 25 years behind bars.
“I find that the shooting, when I listened to every aspect of the trial and every aspect of the sentencing here, the facts don’t rise to a murder charge but they are very aggravated manslaughter,” explained Judge Robert Hodges in his ruling. “The shooting was based, I find, more on anger than fear.”
In June 2023, Lorincz fired a shot through her front door striking Owens as she knocked on the door. Owens was attempting to confront Lorincz after she allegedly shouted at and threw something at her child.
Lorincz claimed self-defense arguing she feared Owens, who was unarmed, was going to kill her. The two had a history of disputes involving the children who often play in the neighborhood.
Before the judge sentenced Lorincz, family members were given the opportunity to present victim impact statements.
Pamela Dias, Ajike’s mother, was the first to speak on behalf of the victim.
“There is not a day, not an hour, that I do not mourn for my daughter,” Dias said. “But, I also mourn for my grandchildren. I weep for them. Every tear from my eyes is for Titus, Africa, Ezra, and Isaac. I see the pain in their eyes. Even when they seem like they’re happy. I recognize it because I carry that same pain.”
Several character witnesses were called to speak on behalf of Lorincz including her sister.
Lorincz told the judge she was scared when Owens knocked on her door. She apologized to the family and said she regrets her actions.
“I’m just profoundly sad,” Lorincz told the judge. “Not only did a mother die, but a daughter and a sister. I think of your family’s loss and know how hard it is to lose someone you love.... Please, accept my humble and sincere apology.”
After the sentencing, Dias told reporters she was grateful for the verdict and the sentence.
“Susan’s apology was a last-ditch attempt to save herself. It wasn’t sincere. She never showed remorse... her remorse that she showed, if any, was for herself,” Dias said.
Pamela Dias, Ajike’s mother, shared her thoughts ahead of the November 25th sentencing:
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