A Florida woman is currently standing trial for manslaughter after fatally shooting her Black neighbor during an altercation that stemmed from an ongoing dispute over the neighbor's children playing outside. Susan Lorincz, 60, claims she acted out of fear when she fired a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun through her front door, striking Ajike "A.J." Owens, 35, in the chest. However, Owens' mother, Pamela Dias, disputes Lorincz's account, asserting that Lorincz intentionally sought to harm her daughter.

The incident occurred on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. According to Lorincz, Owens had been pounding heavily on her door and threatening her during their confrontation. Lorincz claimed that she feared for her life due to Owens' size - weighing approximately 290 pounds (130 kilograms) - and her aggressive behavior. However, Dias vehemently denies these claims, stating that Lorincz had no concern for human life and was determined to cause harm to Owens.

The altercation between Lorincz and Owens was reportedly triggered by Lorincz throwing objects, including skates and an umbrella, towards Owens' children while they were playing outside. Lorincz denies these allegations. In her interview with Marion County detectives, Lorincz expressed that she felt mortally endangered during the confrontation with Owens. However, Owens was unarmed during the incident.

The shooting marks the culmination of a longstanding dispute between Owens, her children, and Lorincz regarding their use of a grassy area near their respective homes for play. Lorincz expressed feeling harassed by Owens' children for the past three years since moving into the neighborhood. She even took measures to secure her home by jamming a chair against her front door for added protection at night.

State Attorney William Gladson has stated that while manslaughter charges were filed against Lorincz, there was insufficient evidence to support a second-degree murder charge. The prosecution concluded that Lorincz did not exhibit "hatred, spite, ill will or evil intent" towards Owens. Additionally, Lorincz was not immediately charged following the incident, leading to protests outside the courthouse. If convicted of manslaughter, Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison.

The trial continues with Lorincz's account of events being scrutinized by both prosecutors and Owens' family, who seek justice for Ajike Owens' untimely death. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for both Lorincz and the community, highlighting the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and respecting the rights of all individuals involved.