In a Florida courtroom, 60-year-old Susan Lorincz was found guilty of manslaughter after a jury deliberated for 2 1/2 hours. The conviction comes following the fatal shooting of her Black neighbor, 35-year-old Ajike "A.J." Owens, on June 2, 2023. Lorincz now faces the possibility of up to 30 years in prison when she is sentenced.

The incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Lorincz and Owens over Owens' children playing in a grassy area near both of their houses. Lorincz claims that she fired a single shot through her front door in self-defense, using a .380-caliber handgun. She argued that she feared for her life as Owens allegedly yelled and pounded on her door.

Prosecutors presented a different narrative, alleging that Owens had visited Lorincz's home after her children claimed Lorincz had thrown roller skates and an umbrella at them. This incident further aggravated the existing tension between the two neighbors.

During the trial, Lorincz told detectives in a videotaped interview that she had been harassed for most of the three years she lived in the neighborhood. However, the all-white jury ultimately rejected her claims of self-defense.

Following the announcement of the guilty verdict, Lorincz left the courtroom with deputies, showing no visible reaction or emotion. Meanwhile, the victim's family members were overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears.

Circuit Judge Robert W. Hodges has ordered a background report to be conducted on Lorincz before setting a sentencing date. The Owens family's attorney, Anthony Thomas, has stated that they will be seeking the maximum 30-year prison term for Lorincz.

State Attorney William Gladson, whose office prosecuted the case, described it as a "tragic reminder" of the consequences of gun violence. Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, expressed some solace in the verdict, stating that they had achieved "some justice for Ajike."

The trial has brought attention to the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence and disputes between neighbors. As the community grapples with this tragic incident, the verdict serves as a turning point in the pursuit of justice for Ajike Owens and his grieving family.