Jury Convicts White Florida Woman in Shooting Death of Black Neighbor over Dispute
Ocala, Florida –
A 60-year-old white woman, Susan Lorincz, was found guilty by an all-white jury on Friday, of manslaughter charges over shooting and killing her Black neighbor during an ongoing dispute around loud children’s play. The dispute escalated to a deadly shooting on June 2, 2023, around their neighborhood homes. Lorincz, if found guilty, could face a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Lorincz Claims Self-Defense
The defendant claimed self-defense as the reason behind the fatal shooting, alleging that she feared for her life when the victim, 35-year-old Ajike “A.J.” Owens, pounded on her door, shouting. She further stated that the victim’s aggressive behavior made her fear that “she’s really going to kill me this time.” Lorincz claimed that she had faced harassment for three continuous years in her neighborhood due to the noise levels of playing children. The court has yet to set a date for her sentencing.
Prosecutors vs Defense
The prosecuting attorney, Rich Buxman, argued that there was no evidence to substantiate imminent danger posed by Owens to Lorincz. He challenged the defense’s claim, suggesting that Lorincz might be acting out of annoyance rather than fear. Buxman pointed out during the trial that it isn’t a crime to bang on someone’s door or to raise one’s voice.
Defending Lorincz, assistant public defender Amanda Sizemore argued that Lorincz was legally justified to act in self-defense, invoking Florida’s “stand your ground” law. Sizemore claimed Owens’ physical size and past confrontations made Lorincz feel threatened, leading to her defending herself.
Racial Diversity of the Jury
The family of the victim raised concerns over the all-white jury selected for the trial, especially considering the racially sensitive nature of the case. Initial jury composition data showed the presence of eight Black, 49 white, ten Hispanic, two Asian, and one “other” individual. The case was perceived as particularly sensitive in the Black community, leading to protests when a lesser charge of manslaughter, as opposed to second-degree murder, was leveled against Lorincz.
Family and legal Representatives Respond
Pamela Dias, the victim’s mother, expressed her solace at the guilty verdict, emphasizing that “justice for Ajike” had been achieved. Legal representative Anthony Thomas stated that the family would still push for the maximum prison term, but acknowledged the jury did their job leading to the verdict. Both hoped for further justice in the sentencing.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing the victim’s family, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the verdict, and emphasizing the tragedy of the loss of a mother for four young children. He affirmed, “While nothing can erase the pain they’ve endured, today’s decision sends a clear message that senseless violence will be met with accountability.”
The Tragic Consequences of Gun Violence
William Gladson, the state attorney, emphasized that the case offered a tragic reminder of the consequences of gun violence and underscored the loss of a mother that four young children now have to endure for the rest of their lives.
