A Florida woman is currently standing trial for manslaughter after fatally shooting her Black neighbor during a heated dispute. Susan Lorincz, 60, claimed that she acted out of fear when she discharged her firearm through her front door, striking Ajike "A.J." Owens, 35, in the chest. The incident occurred on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida.

The confrontation between Lorincz and Owens was reportedly sparked by an ongoing disagreement regarding Owens' children playing near Lorincz's property. According to Lorincz, she felt harassed by the children for three years prior to the incident. She denied accusations of using racial slurs against them.

Investigators have presented evidence suggesting that Lorincz was not in her kitchen when she pulled the trigger, contradicting her claims of fearing for her life. Prosecutors argue that Lorincz intentionally aimed to cause harm to Owens.

Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, strongly disputes Lorincz's account of the events leading up to the shooting. Dias believes that Lorincz deliberately targeted Owens with the intent to kill. "She set out to cause harm. She set out to kill," Dias stated during a news conference. "She has no regard for any form of human life."

Lorincz admitted to firing a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun through the door, aiming to scare off Owens. She claimed that she could not see who was outside but was simply trying to make Owens "go away." Owens was unarmed during the encounter.

The shooting has sparked controversy, with protesters rallying outside the courthouse due to Lorincz not being charged immediately after the incident. If convicted of manslaughter, Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison. The trial continues to unfold, with jurors reviewing evidence and witness testimonies to determine Lorincz's guilt or innocence.

The tragic incident highlights the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and the potential consequences of escalating conflicts. The community awaits justice for Owens and hopes for a resolution that honors her life and promotes understanding among neighbors.