White Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Shooting Black Neighbor in Florida

Susan Lorincz, a white Florida resident, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday for fatally shooting her Black neighbor, Ajike “A.J.” Owens.

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The case unfolded in Ocala, Florida, a community about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, and drew national attention that highlighted ongoing racial tensions and questions of self-defense laws.

Lorincz, 60, was convicted in August of killing 35-year-old Owens by firing a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun through her front door in June 2023.

The fatal confrontation was the culmination of an argument between the two neighbors over Owens’ children playing in a grassy area near both of their houses.

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During trial, testimony showed Lorincz claimed she acted in self-defense after Owens banged on her door and yelled at her.

However, an all-white jury rejected Lorincz’s claim, convicting her of manslaughter in August.

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The shooting has since sparked protests in Ocala’s Black community, particularly after prosecutors initially delayed charging Lorincz and opted for manslaughter over second-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence. Critics saw the decision as emblematic of racial inequities in the justice system.

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