Ajike Owens’ family raises money for gun violence charity 2 years after neighborhood shooting

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Monday marks two years since Ajike “AJ” Owens was shot through a front door by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz.

Owens was killed after confronting Susan Lorincz over a series of disputes involving her children.

On that evening in 2023, Owens knocked on Lorincz’s door to address the situation. In response, Lorincz fired a shot through her front door, killing Owens.

Lorincz claimed self-defense, alleging that Owens was attempting to break down her door. However, investigators found no evidence to support these ideas, and the jury rejected her defense. In August 2024, Lorincz was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm and sentenced to 25 years.

Owens’ Mother, Pamela Dias, is marking the two year anniversary of her daughter’s death by trying to raise money to help other gun violence victims.

Dias recently co-founded the Stop the Gap Fund to collect donations to help families who are affected by gun violence. She says there were many unexpected expenses following Ajike’s death.

In addition to funeral and burial expenses, Dias says some families need mental health support, or money for housing or relocation.

“Our family actually experienced threats, so we had to obtain security. There’s so many things that families are in need of and that’s what the fund is for, to lessen the burden and stress families are going through,” Dias said.

Netflix is turning the Owens case into a documentary called The Perfect Neighbor, revealing the story behind the headlines.

“It is one of the ways to honor my daughter’s legacy and also to shed light on the horrific stand your ground laws,” Dias said.

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