An Ocala woman was found guilty of manslaughter on Friday, more than a year after she fatally shot her 35-year-old neighbor through her front door.
A jury found Susan Louise Lorincz guilty in the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike “A.J.” Owens, on Friday, August 16, after a weeklong trial in Marion County.
The verdict comes over 14 months after Lorincz was arrested in connection with the shooting, which took place on June 2, 2023.
On that day, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 1600 block of SW 107th Lane in Ocala in reference to a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies found Owens suffering from a gunshot wound in the yard in front of Lorincz’s apartment.
Owens, who was a mother of four, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Leading up to the shooting, Lorincz had a confrontation with Owens’ children outside of her apartment. In a press conference shortly after the shooting, Sheriff Billy Woods divulged that his office had responded to disputes between the neighbors a half dozen times dating back to 2021.
A few days after the shooting, Lorincz was taken into custody.
On June 26, 2023, Lorincz was charged with one count of manslaughter and one count of assault in connection with the fatal shooting.
Lorincz pled not guilty to the charges in July 2023.
During a multi-day trial this week, over 30 witnesses were called by both the prosecution and defense.
Lorincz, who is 59 years old, opted not to take the stand.
In response to the verdict, William “Bill” Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, called the decision “some measure of justice” for Owens’ family.
“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,” said Gladson, whose office prosecuted the case. “While today’s verdict can’t bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”
Now that she has been found guilty, Lorincz will await sentencing at a later date. She is facing up to 30 years in prison.