Susan Lorincz to be sentenced Monday for the death of ‘AJ’ Owens, could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison

ORLANDO, Fla. – Susan Lorincz will be sentenced Monday after a jury found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the August 2024 shooting death of her neighbor Ajike “AJ” Owens in 2023.

The court will start at 13.30

What happened on June 2, 2023?

On June 2, 2023, Lorincz called 911 to complain about children playing in the field next to his house. Just before making the call, Lorincz was videotaping children playing outside.

Witnesses said the woman threw roller skates at them and waved an umbrella at them.

Lorincz told the 911 dispatcher that the young children were threatening him and that he feared for his life.

Read more: Susan Lorincz: What we know about the Florida woman accused of shooting her neighbor

Owens went to his unit to confront Lorincz. His eldest son was one of the children playing in the field and told his mother about Lorincz’s actions.

Several witnesses testified that Owens was banging on the door hard and yelling loudly and angrily.

Lorincz said she thought Owens was going to kill her, but he stood inside her home with a door between them.

Instead of going to another room or calling the police again, Lorincz grabbed a gun from the bedroom and fired through the door; He didn’t know if anyone else was there or if Ajike Owens was armed.

Owens died from his gunshot wound.

One of Owens’ sons was nearby and watched as he was shot and killed.

Susan Lorincz was found guilty of:

Lorincz was convicted of murder with a firearm on August 16, 2024.

“Even though my daughter is gone forever, and the children’s mother is gone forever, we did get some justice for Ajike,” Pamela Dias, Owens’ mother, said after the guilty verdict was handed down.

Dias says Owens’ four children are in counseling, and it’s a burden they will carry for the rest of their lives. But the guilty verdict puts them on the path to justice.

Read more: Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens’ family releases statement ahead of Susan Lorincz’s sentencing next week

Statement from Ajike Owens Family Awaiting Sentencing of Susan Lorincz:

“As we approach Susan Lorincz’s sentencing, our family remains focused on justice for Ajike. The jury’s guilty verdict on the shooting count was an important step, but we now expect the court to follow that verdict with the maximum sentence under the Constitutional law.

We believe that being on the right side of history requires holding perpetrators of racist violence fully accountable for their actions.

While no sentence can bring back the life taken from us, the court’s decision will send a strong message about the value of Ajike’s life and the importance of justice for victims of senseless violence.

We hope that the presiding judge will respect the jury’s verdict and impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this crime.

Ajike was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend whose life was taken from us too soon. “Our family continues to grieve this unimaginable loss, and we will never forget her love, spirit, and commitment to her children and community.”

Ajike’s mother, Pamela Dias, shared her thoughts before the sentencing on November 25:

“Next week is another opportunity for our family to catch up in some way. While the pain of losing Ajike will never go away, we remain hopeful that justice will prevail and the court will sentence Susan.

Lorincz will be given the maximum penalty for his actions. Ajike’s legacy will live on in his children and we will continue to fight for justice, love and peace in his name. We offer our deepest gratitude

Thank you to everyone who stood by Ajike’s family during this painful journey. Your support has been a source of strength.”

FOX 35 Susan Lorincz Trial Broadcast: