Inside the Susan Lorincz Case: How a Tragic Shooting Led to Accountability and 25 Years Behind Bars

Netflix’s documentary The Perfect Neighbor brings viewers into the heart of a complex tragedy that reshaped conversations around self-defense laws and neighborhood conflicts in America. At the center of this story is Susan Lorincz, now serving a 25-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Ajike Owens in June 2023—a case that forced a reckoning with Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” legislation.

The Escalation That Led to Tragedy

Tensions in the Ocala, Florida neighborhood had been building long before that fateful June evening. After relocating to a rental home in the community, Lorincz became known for her contentious relationship with the local children. She dialed 911 roughly half a dozen times, lodging complaints about noise and alleged trespassing. Law enforcement, however, typically dismissed her claims, finding the children’s behavior typical and age-appropriate.

What started as noise complaints soon took a darker turn. Neighbors reported witnessing Lorincz hurl insults at the kids, using racial slurs and dehumanizing language. According to investigators’ records, she later admitted to using the n-word and other derogatory terms toward the children during moments of anger.

On June 2, 2023, the situation deteriorated further. Lorincz confronted Owens’ children in a nearby field over a tablet one of them had left behind. The encounter grew physical—she allegedly threw the tablet down, hurled roller skates at a 10-year-old (striking his toe), and swung an umbrella at him. A neighbor witnessed her emerge from her home afterward, make an obscene gesture, and shout racial epithets at the group of children.

The Moment Everything Changed

That same evening, Lorincz called 911, describing the children as “absolutely obnoxious” and claiming she felt threatened. Within minutes, 35-year-old Ajike Owens—a devoted mother of four who had sacrificed significantly to provide her children with private education and extracurricular opportunities—arrived at Lorincz’s home, demanding an explanation for her behavior toward the kids.

What followed unfolded in seconds. According to the 911 recording timeline, roughly two minutes after her initial call, Lorincz dialed emergency services again, alleging that Owens was making death threats. She then retrieved a .380-caliber handgun and fired a single shot directly through the locked door. The bullet pierced Owens’ right chest cavity. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Owens died later that night, leaving four children without their mother.

The Legal Battle and Susan Lorincz’s Conviction

When authorities arrested Lorincz four days later, they charged her with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. Notably, prosecutors did not pursue a second-degree murder charge, citing insufficient evidence—a decision that sparked criticism from Owens’ family and civil rights advocates.

The trial commenced in August 2024 in Marion County. Prosecutors emphasized that Lorincz’s door remained locked and that Owens was unarmed. The defense maintained that Lorincz genuinely feared for her safety. After deliberating for just two hours, the jury reached a guilty verdict on the manslaughter charge.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Wood made a pointed statement regarding the case: Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law “does not apply in all situations” and “was not justified” in this scenario. He concluded bluntly: “It was simply a killing.”

Sentencing and Reflection on Justice

In November 2024, Judge Robert Hodges sentenced Susan Lorincz to 25 years in prison. During the hearing, Hodges emphasized that the shooting was “completely unnecessary,” noting that Lorincz was protected behind a locked door, law enforcement was already en route, and she could have remained safely inside. Instead, she positioned herself at the door and fired through it.

Lorincz offered an apology during sentencing, expressing regret for taking Owens’ life. However, Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, dismissed the remorse as insincere, describing it as “a last-ditch attempt to save herself.”

Where Is Susan Lorincz Today?

Susan Lorincz currently resides at Homestead Correctional Institution in South Florida, with a projected release date of April 8, 2048. In September 2025, she participated in a local television interview where she reiterated claims that Owens’ children had threatened her life. The state attorney’s office responded by defending the children, pointing out that they were not called as witnesses during trial and emphasizing that focus should remain on the victim and her bereaved children, not on the defendant’s post-conviction statements.

The case continues to serve as a sobering examination of how conflicts escalate, how self-defense laws are applied, and the irreversible consequences of split-second decisions. The Perfect Neighbor remains available on Netflix for those seeking to understand the full context of this pivotal moment in criminal justice discourse.