One of the longest-running news series in the country is highlighting the story of the late Ajike “AJ” Owens, an Ocala mother of four who was fatally shot through a closed door by her neighbor in 2023.
A 20/20 episode entitled, “Remembering Ajike Owens” will air on ABC on Friday, April 3, at 9 p.m.
Friday’s broadcast explores the impact of Owens’ passing on family members and their ongoing journey through grief.
The 20/20 episode features interviews with Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, and other family members as they reflect on AJ’s legacy and the fight for justice that has spanned nearly three years.
The segment arrives as the case continues to draw significant national attention, most recently following the release of the acclaimed documentary The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix.
The documentary was a finalist for several major honors and just recently fell short of winning the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Owens was fatally shot on June 2, 2023, after she went to Lorincz’s home to confront her about a dispute involving Owens’ children.
Lorincz fired a single shot through her locked front door, striking and killing Owens.
In November 2024, Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison for manslaughter.
The legal fallout from the shooting is still unfolding in the civil courts.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Lorincz on behalf of Owens’ children last summer.
In response, Lorincz filed a countersuit claiming the family was trespassing and threatening her at the time of the incident.
Community support for the Owens family has remained strong over the years.
To date, over $706,000 has been raised through just GoFundMe to support Owens’ four children.
Will you be tuning in to the 20/20 special? Share your thoughts on the legacy of Ajike Owens in a comment or a letter to the editor.
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