Susan Lorincz was convicted of shooting her neighbor through her door

In 2023, Susan Lorincz fatal shot her neighbora mother of four, through a locked door. The court declared the 60-year-old man guilty in the death of Ajike Owens in August. Now, Susan will spend more than two decades in prison for the shooting, according to NBC News.

The judge provided context for the manslaughter verdict

Marion County Circuit Judge Robert Hodges called the shooting “completely unnecessary” and sentenced Susan Lorincz to 25 years in prison. The judge pointed out that Susan was behind a locked door,” indicating that there was no immediate danger to her life.

To establish the context, Ajike Owens approached Susan’s front door in June 2023. The 35-year-old woman allegedly planned to confront her neighbor about an incident involving illegal drugs. her child. Susan was said to have screamed and thrown things at children playing near the house. Residents familiar with the 60-year-old man previously said Susan had a history of harassing neighborhood children and using racial slurs. Note that Lorincz is a white woman and this is not the first time she has confronted Owens or his children.

However, before the neighbors could speak directly, Lorincz fired a .380 caliber handgun and hit Ajike. At the time of Owens’ death, her children were between the ages of 3 and 12, according to NBC. The all-white jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter after deliberating the case for about two and a half hours.

The 60-year-old man initially faced up to 30 years in prison, but the judge decided on 25 on Monday (November 25). He rejected the idea that Susan deserved probation, as her defense tried to argue. However, Judge Hodges considered Susan’s past.

“Her being a victim of child sexual abuse is a significant mitigating factor and her lack of a criminal record is also a significant factor,” The judge declared. “However, we have also suffered great harm to this family and the victim’s family.”

The mother of Ajike Owens and Susan Lorincz spoke at the sentencing

Ajike’s mother shared with the court during the sentencing. Pamela Dias opened up about mourning her daughter and the “hopes, dreams and future” they discussed. Pamela said she is still trying to understand that her daughter is dead and buried “under the ground, unable to breathe, lifeless.”

Ajike Owen’s mother said: “She won’t be there for her christening, her prom, her graduation, her first love, her first breakup, her engagement, her marriage, her children… all the moments. important moments that parents and children share together. Adding, “Our pain and suffering did not end when Susan was found guilty of manslaughter. Our pain and suffering will not end with today’s verdict. Our suffering will last a lifetime.”

Additionally, the 60-year-old convict spoke to the court about his guilt in taking Ajike’s life. She made it clear that her intention was not to kill Owens and also spoke about how medical professionals had diagnosed her with PTSD from childhood abuse.

“I’m so sorry for taking AJ’s life. I never intended to kill her. I can’t understand why she is so angry.” she declared. “I wish I could go back and change things so she would still be here. I will trade my life.” More, “I’m just deeply sad. Not only did the mother die, but also her daughter and sister; My thoughts are with your family’s loss.”

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