A Marion County woman who admitted to killing her neighbor was convicted of manslaughter on Friday in the shooting death of A.J. Owens. A jury of six people found Susan Lorincz guilty of manslaughter after a short deliberation. Lorincz shot Ajike “AJ” Owens after a confrontation about Owens’ kids playing in Lorincz’s yard. During the woman’s trial, which started on Tuesday, prosecutors argued that Owens was unarmed and did not threaten Lorincz when she shot through her locked front door. The defense says Lorincz feared for her life.All week, witnesses have been called by both sides. The state rested its case on Wednesday and the defense did the same on Thursday. Lorincz decided she would not take the stand in her own defense.Susan Lorincz trial coverage: Day 1: Witnesses recall lingering issues between Susan Lorincz, victim in manslaughter trialDay 2: Front door with bullet hole brought into courtroomDay 3: Defense calls forensic analysts; closing arguments expected FridayClosing arguments were complete by 11:10 a.m. on Friday. On Thursday night, AJ Owens’ family released a statement saying they hope the jury’s verdict reflects the gravity of what has been taken and that they can find peace.”We are united in our grief, but we are also united in our hope for a better tomorrow,” the statement says.About the case:In June 2023, Marion County deputies were called to a home after a mother, later identified as Owens, was shot and killed. Her neighbor, Lorincz, admitted to the shooting and was arrested a few days later.According to officials, the shooting stemmed from an argument over Owens’ kids, which was not atypical, deputies said. Officials say they had responded to the area six to eight times before.RELATED: Leaving race out of Susan Lorincz’s trial may help AJ Owens, legal expert saysThe Marion County Sheriff’s Office said there was a confrontation between Lorincz and the children, which then prompted Owens to go to Lorincz’s door. That’s when the fatal shooting occurred.The sheriff’s office arrested Lorincz and booked her into jail on manslaughter charges less than a week after the incident. The Owens family tried to push for a murder charge, but that did not end up happening.Through it all, Lorincz has said Owens threatened her and violently knocked on her door, which caused her to fire out of fear for her life.RELATED: Ocala woman who shot neighbor through door, killing her, pleads not guiltyRELATED: Documents reveal statements made by Susan Lorincz after deadly shooting of AJ Owens
MARION COUNTY, Fla. —
A Marion County woman who admitted to killing her neighbor was convicted of manslaughter on Friday in the shooting death of A.J. Owens.
A jury of six people found Susan Lorincz guilty of manslaughter after a short deliberation.
Lorincz shot Ajike “AJ” Owens after a confrontation about Owens’ kids playing in Lorincz’s yard.
During the woman’s trial, which started on Tuesday, prosecutors argued that Owens was unarmed and did not threaten Lorincz when she shot through her locked front door. The defense says Lorincz feared for her life.
All week, witnesses have been called by both sides. The state rested its case on Wednesday and the defense did the same on Thursday. Lorincz decided she would not take the stand in her own defense.
Susan Lorincz trial coverage:
Closing arguments were complete by 11:10 a.m. on Friday.
On Thursday night, AJ Owens’ family released a statement saying they hope the jury’s verdict reflects the gravity of what has been taken and that they can find peace.
“We are united in our grief, but we are also united in our hope for a better tomorrow,” the statement says.
About the case:
In June 2023, Marion County deputies were called to a home after a mother, later identified as Owens, was shot and killed. Her neighbor, Lorincz, admitted to the shooting and was arrested a few days later.
According to officials, the shooting stemmed from an argument over Owens’ kids, which was not atypical, deputies said. Officials say they had responded to the area six to eight times before.
RELATED: Leaving race out of Susan Lorincz’s trial may help AJ Owens, legal expert says
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said there was a confrontation between Lorincz and the children, which then prompted Owens to go to Lorincz’s door. That’s when the fatal shooting occurred.
The sheriff’s office arrested Lorincz and booked her into jail on manslaughter charges less than a week after the incident. The Owens family tried to push for a murder charge, but that did not end up happening.
Through it all, Lorincz has said Owens threatened her and violently knocked on her door, which caused her to fire out of fear for her life.
RELATED: Ocala woman who shot neighbor through door, killing her, pleads not guilty
RELATED: Documents reveal statements made by Susan Lorincz after deadly shooting of AJ Owens