What to Know About Susan Lorincz’s Sentencing After Ajike Owens’ Murder: The Trial Explained

Susan Lorincz’s trial for the murder of Ajike “AJ” Owens is back in the headlines following the release of the hit Netflix documentary, The Perfect Neighbor.

The Perfect Neighbor, which dropped on Netflix in October 2025, unpacks the events leading up to Owens’s death, which occurred in June 2023. Owens, a Black woman, and Lorincz, a white woman, were neighbors in Ocala, Florida. Lorincz consistently called the police on Owens’ kids for playing in the yard next door to her home over the course of three years. (Owens was the mother of four children: sons Isaac, Israel and Titus and daughter Afrika.)

The women’s tension escalated after one incident between Lorincz and Owens’ children. Owens went over to Lorincz’s home to speak with her. After knocking multiple times, Lorincz shot Owens through her front door and in the chest. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Lorincz was arrested days later and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault.

The Perfect Neighbor uses primarily 911 calls and body cam footage from law enforcement’s frequent visits to Lorincz and Owens’ neighborhood. The documentary does not include clips of Owens’ murder.

Keep scrolling to see what happened with Lorincz’s trial and sentencing:

What Did Susan Lorincz Do?

Lorincz had an altercation with Owens’ children after one reportedly went to obtain a tablet that was left behind in the yard they were previously playing in. Lorincz allegedly threw a pair of roller skates and swung an umbrella at the kids, per an affidavit obtained by CNN. An additional neighbor claimed to authorities that Lorincz called the children racial slurs, per the filing.

After the kids told their mother about the incident, Owens went to Lorincz’s home to confront her neighbor and address the issue. Owens reportedly asked Lorincz to come outside to speak to her. Lorincz did not leave her home and, instead, shot and killed Owens through her front door. Owens’ son was next to her at the time she was shot.

What Was Susan Lorincz’s Defense?

When law enforcement arrived at the scene, Lorincz claimed she felt threatened by Owens and acted in self-defense. She alleged that Owens was knocking so aggressively that she feared her door would burst open. The investigation found no indication that Owens had attempted to enter Lorincz’s home or that she posed an imminent threat. After being charged with manslaughter with a firearm, Lorincz pleaded not guilty.

Was Susan Lorincz Found Guilty?

A jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter in August 2024.

When Was Susan Lorincz Sentenced to Prison?

In November 2024, Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

What Did Susan Lorincz Say in Court?

While Lorincz did not take the stand during her trial, she shared a statement of remorse following her sentencing.

“I am so sorry I took AJ’s life,” Lorincz said at her sentencing, per CNN. “I never intended to kill her.”

Lorincz claimed that she felt confused during the night of the shooting because Owens was allegedly screaming at her.

Where Is Susan Lorincz Serving Her Sentence?

Lorincz is behind bars at the Homestead Correctional Institution in Homestead, Florida. Her release is scheduled for on April 8, 2048, per the Florida Department of Corrections.