On June 2, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m. EST, Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens, a 35-year-old single mother of four, was fatally shot by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala, Florida. The incident occurred after a dispute involving Owens' children and Lorincz. Earlier that day, Lorincz had engaged in an argument with Owens' children, who were playing in a field near her home. Lorincz had yelled at the children and even threw a roller skate at one of them.
Following the altercation, the children informed their mother, Ajike Owens, about the incident. Owens then approached Lorincz's home, knocked on the door multiple times, and demanded that Lorincz come outside. Despite the door being locked, Lorincz fired a .380-caliber handgun through it, striking Owens in the upper chest. Owens' 10-year-old son was standing beside her when the shot was fired.
Police were already responding to a trespassing call at the same address when they received another 911 call about the shooting. Upon arrival, they found Owens injured and transported her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Susan Lorincz, 58 (later reported as 60), was arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. The case drew significant attention and criticism, particularly due to the racial dynamics involved and the application of Florida's stand-your-ground law. The Owens family and civil rights activists called for upgraded charges and expressed disappointment with the initial manslaughter charges.
On August 16, 2024, after a weeklong trial, a jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter with a firearm. The trial was notable for having a jury consisting solely of white jurors. On November 26, 2024, Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison for her role in Owens' death. The sentencing was seen as a critical step in securing justice for Owens and her family, who were represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Ajike Owens was remembered by her family and friends as a devoted mother who lived for her children and was known for her heart of gold, compassion, and spiritual nature. Her family described her as full of life and deeply committed to her children, who ranged in ages from 3 to 12. A GoFundMe was set up to support the family with funeral expenses, education, and other living costs for Owens' children.
