### White Florida Woman Faces Sentencing for Manslaughter of Black Neighbor

A white Florida woman is set to receive her sentence on Monday after being convicted of manslaughter for shooting a Black neighbor through her front door during an ongoing dispute. Susan Lorincz, aged 60, was found guilty in August for the June 2023 shooting that killed 35-year-old Ajike "A.J." Owens. The incident, sparked by disputes over Owens' children playing near both their homes in Ocala, could result in Lorincz serving up to 30 years in state prison, given that a firearm was involved.

The fatal shooting was the climax of a long-standing conflict between Lorincz and Owens. According to prosecutors, Owens confronted Lorincz after her children claimed Lorincz had thrown roller skates and an umbrella at them—a claim Lorincz denied. On the day of the incident, Owens was reportedly pounding on Lorincz's door and yelling, which Lorincz said led her to fear for her life, invoking a self-defense plea.

In a videotaped interview with detectives, Lorincz stated, "I thought I was in imminent danger," and described feeling harassed during the three years she lived in the neighborhood. Despite her defense, the jury did not accept her claim of self-defense.

Owens' family, seeking justice, has advocated for the maximum punishment. Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, expressed her hope for the court to impose the harshest sentence possible, emphasizing that her daughter’s legacy would live on through her four children.

Defense attorney Amanda Sizemore has requested a lighter sentence than the 11.5-year minimum stipulated by state guidelines, arguing Lorincz's case warrants leniency due to her mental disorder and the circumstances suggesting Owens was the aggressor.

The case has also stirred protests within the Black community in Ocala, especially since it took several weeks for prosecutors to charge Lorincz with manslaughter instead of the more severe second-degree murder. Ocala, part of Marion County, has a Black population of approximately 12%, according to census data.