Susan Lorincz was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 for fatally shooting her Black neighbor Ajike "AJ" Owens during a dispute. (Source: Screenshot - WESH)

Woman who fatally shot Black neighbor in Florida found guilty

OCALA, Fla. — The white woman who fatally shot her Black neighbor during a dispute over children playing near her Florida home was found guilty of first-degree felony manslaughter with a firearm on Friday.

The 6-panel jury found 60-year-old Susan Lorincz guilty of fatally shooting her neighbor 34-year-old Ajike “AJ” Owens through a closed door at her home in Ocala in June 2023.

A six-person, all-white jury was selected for the trial. The panel was seated on Monday when the trial began. After deliberating for nearly three hours, jurors returned their decision. 12:00 p.m.

According to a statement from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) on June 6, 2023, Lorincz shot Owens on June 2, 2023 with Owens’ son nearby after she went to Lorincz’s home to speak with her about a dispute over Owens’ children playing in a field near her home. .

Lorincz was arrested on June 6, 2023 and charged with first-degree felony manslaughter. On July 10, 2023, Lorincz pleaded not guilty and was held on a $150,000 bond.

After the verdict was read, Judge Robert Hodges told Lorincz she would be held in the Marion County jail without bond until her sentencing. Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison.

More on the deadly dispute and trial.

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