A Florida woman identified as Susan Lorincz, was found guilty of first-degree felony manslaughter with a firearm for fatally shooting her neighbor, Ajike “AJ” Owens, through a closed door in June 2023, on Friday.
The verdict which was delivered just before 3:00 p.m. ET in a case that has drawn national attention.
The presiding Judge, Robert Hodges informed Lorincz that she would be held in the Marion County jail without bond until her sentencing.
Lorincz, who faces up to 30 years in prison, appeared to shrug her shoulders before being escorted from the courtroom by correctional officers.
The courtroom erupted in emotion following the verdict. “Oh, God! Thank you, Jesus!” exclaimed Pamela Dias, Owens’ mother, as Lorincz left the room.
According to ABCNEWS,Dias expressed relief and a sense of justice. “Today, our family can sleep a little better knowing that Susan Lorincz will no longer be a threat to our community, especially to my grandchildren,” she said.
“While this verdict does not bring my daughter AJ back to us, it does bring a sense of peace that we have long sought,” Dias added.
Addressing the media outside the courthouse in Ocala, Florida, she expressed her gratitude for the outcome. “I am very pleased with the jury, the prosecution, the verdict of the guilty. I find some peace with that verdict. I feel that, although my daughter is gone forever, the children’s mom is gone forever, but we’ve achieved some justice for Ajike.”
Lorincz’s legal team declined to comment when approached for a statement.
The six-person, all-white jury was seated on Monday and began deliberations shortly after noon on Friday, following closing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.
The case stemmed from a June 2023 incident in which Lorincz, who is white, shot Owens, a Black mother of four, through a closed door.
The shooting occurred after Owens went to confront Lorincz about a dispute involving her children playing near Lorincz’s home. Owens’ 10-year-old son witnessed the shooting.
Lorincz was arrested on June 6, 2023, and charged with first-degree felony manslaughter. She pleaded not guilty on July 10, 2023, and was held on a $150,000 bond until her trial.
“This verdict is a critical step in securing justice for AJ and her family,” said civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Owens’ family.
“While nothing can erase the pain they’ve endured, today’s decision sends a clear message that senseless violence will be met with accountability.”
