Jury Weighs Case of Florida Woman Who Shot Neighbor Ajike Owens

A jury started deliberations on Friday in the trial of Susan Lorincz, a Florida woman facing charges of first-degree felony manslaughter in connection with the deadly shooting of her neighbor, Ajike “AJ” Owens. This incident occurred on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida.

The six-member jury, seated earlier in the week, began their discussions shortly after 12:00 p.m. ET following the presentation of closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The case has captured national attention, highlighting themes of race and self-defense.

On the day of the shooting, Lorincz fired her weapon through a closed door, hitting Owens, who was a Black mother of four. This confrontation arose after Owens visited Lorincz to discuss a dispute regarding Owens’s children playing near her property, an encounter that took place in front of her then-10-year-old son. According to reports from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Lorincz shot Owens during this incident.

Following her arrest on June 6, 2023, Lorincz pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on July 10, 2023. Currently, she is being held on a $150,000 bond. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of up to 30 years, according to local authorities.

Owens’s family expressed their disappointment regarding the jury selection process, specifically noting that the all-white jury does not reflect the community’s diversity. Family attorney Anthony Thomas remarked that they hoped for a more diverse jury pool, citing historical discrepancies in jury composition across the United States. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that justice is served, not only for Owens but for all families affected by similar tragedies.

Thomas’s colleague, Ben Crump, also expressed sentiments of skepticism regarding fair treatment under the law, stating, “We want to believe in our heart that any juror looking at this situation will administer justice.” He stressed the hope that AJ Owens’s death will lead to a greater awareness and insistence on justice within the American legal system.

The trial saw testimonies from a variety of individuals, including neighbors, law enforcement personnel, and forensic experts. Prosecutors maintained that Lorincz acted unreasonably in using deadly force against an unarmed Owens who was banging on her door in an attempt to resolve their dispute.

State attorney Rich Buxman emphasized in his argument that Lorincz’s belief of imminent danger was unfounded. He explained that for her actions to be justified as self-defense, there had to be an actual threat present at the moment, which he argued was not the case. He pointed out that Owens had not forced her way through Lorincz’s door, thus making Lorincz’s use of lethal force unwarranted.

In response, Lorincz’s defense team claimed that she was acting in self-defense due to her fear for her life. Her attorney, Amanda Sizemore, insisted that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. She urged jurors to consider Lorincz’s mental state and personal history when deciding the case.

Central to the prosecution’s case was a 911 call made by Lorincz prior to the shooting, where she reported trespassing children. This call was made moments before Owens was shot, calling into question Lorincz’s state of mind during the confrontation.

Owens’s mother, Pamela Dias, shared her commitment to seeking justice for her daughter, emphasizing the struggle her family has faced since the tragedy. She stated the importance of truth and justice as part of honoring her daughter’s memory.

According to multiple witnesses, including law enforcement officials, a 911 call alerted them to the report of children on Lorincz’s property just before the incident escalated into violence.

The defense also argued that Owens had threatened Lorincz, claiming she stated intentions to harm her while trying to break into her home. Witness testimony reinforced this claim, but the prosecution highlighted evidence that suggested Lorincz was not facing an immediate threat when she made her decision to fire.

Testimony from Lorincz’s former landlord indicated that the door in question had been repaired prior to the shooting and remained structurally sound, countering the defense’s claims that it was easily damaged. The landlord noted the presence of a deadbolt and a chain lock, underlining the fact that there was no immediate risk to Lorincz at the time of the shooting.

The complexity and sensitivity of this case have prompted significant public interest as deliberations continue.

Source: ABC News