Loved ones of Ajike “AJ” Owens react to guilty verdict for her killer

Attorney Anthony Thomas, a representative of the Owens family, addresses the public after the jury ruled that Susan Lorincz was guilty of manslaughter after the killing of Ajike “AJ” Owens [Caroline Brauchler/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

The family and friends of shooting victim Ajike “AJ” Owens paid tribute to her outside of the Marion County Courthouse after her killer, Susan Lorincz, was convicted of manslaughter on Friday.

The family expressed their gratitude for the guilty verdict but said that regardless of the victory in court, nothing can bring their loved one back.

Owens’ mother Pamela Dias spoke on behalf of her family and her grandchildren following the verdict. Dias and many other loved ones attended the entire trial and were subject to viewing evidence and testimony that hashed through the details of Owens’ final moments.

“Although my daughter is gone forever, and the children’s mom is gone forever, we’ve achieved some justice for Ajike,” Dias said.

The shooting occurred on June 2, 2023, after an argument between Lorincz and Owens’ children, who regularly played in a field near Lorincz’ apartment. The incident was a culmination of what neighbors and law enforcement described as a long-running, racially tinged feud over where children in the Quail Run apartment complex played.

Dias said the family and friends have a “long journey of healing ahead,” and asked the public to keep the family in their prayers.

Attorney Anthony Thomas, who represents the family, said their primary goal moving forward is getting Lorincz sentenced.

“We wish for Judge Hodges to do the best he can, which is the maximum penalty,” Thomas said.

Circuit Judge Robert Hodges will announce sentencing at a later date. She faces up to 30 years in prison for the conviction. She will be held in custody of the Marion County Jail without bond until that time.

“The children are coping the best they can,” Thomas said. “They are receiving counseling.”

Thomas spoke to the magnitude of the case, and how it has the potential to change how similar cases are tried in the future. Lorincz’ defense argued that the woman shot her neighbor out of self-defense, based on the Florida Stand Your Ground Law. The jury decided that Lorincz’ killing of Owens was not justified.

“Not only was Susan Lorincz on trial, but so was Stand Your Ground,” Thomas said. “The whole world was watching.”

State Attorney Bill Gladson, who charged Lorincz with manslaughter rather than second-degree murder after the shooting, issued a statement after the verdict was released.

“This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. The defendant’s choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives,” Gladson said. “While today’s verdict can’t bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”

The family expressed their gratitude to Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Adam Smith for their work in prosecuting the case against Lorincz.

When asked if she had anything to say to her daughter’s killer, Dias replied:

“I have nothing to say to her.”