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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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A Florida woman who fatally shot a mother of four said she wishes to sue the victim’s children for slander, libel and defamation of character.
Susan Lorincz, a 61-year-old white woman, was sentenced to 25 years in prison last year after she was convicted of manslaughter in the death of her neighbor, Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old Black woman. The shooting came after disagreements over Owens’ children playing in a grassy area near both of their houses in Ocala.
The disputes leading up to the killing are detailed in the documentary film The Perfect Neighbor, which began streaming on Netflix last month.
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Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lorincz and the man who owned and operated the quadplex where Lorincz resided for damages that exceed $50,000 on behalf of Owens’ estate in June.
Lorincz said in a response filed in September that she wants to countersue Dias, three of Owens’ children and the man who owned and operated the quadplex where Lorincz resided for damages that exceed $50,000. She has yet to formally file a countersuit, according to court records.
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Why It Matters
The killing of Owens received renewed public interest following the release of The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix. The streaming service said the documentary was the top movie on its U.S. platform for the week of October 20.
What To Know
In June 2023, Lorincz fired a shot through a closed door after Owens knocked on the door to talk about an incident involving her children, the complaint states. Owens was fatally struck by the bullet.
Lorincz said Owens and her children were trespassing despite multiple “No Trespassing” signs on the property. Lorincz also alleged that Owens did “scream, threaten to beat me multiple times while trespassing.”
An attorney for Owens’ estate said sheriff’s deputies concluded that there was no evidence to support Lorincz’s claims.
Lorincz said she did not file erroneous allegations at any time. She alleged that Owens’ children had lied to her and stated that Lorincz had hit Israel Owens with a roller skate. She said Israel recanted that statement while speaking to prosecutors.
Dias, on behalf of Owens’ estate, is seeking compensation for the past and future mental pain and suffering of Owens’ minor children, expenses of medical care and funeral arrangements arising from Owens’ death, loss of Owens’ prospective earnings and loss of inheritable estate.
What People Are Saying
Susan Lorincz, in a response filed in September: “Ms. Owens did not knock politely and speak reasonably on June 2, 2023. She pounded and screamed profanities like a lunatic.”
Anthony D. Thomas, attorney representing Pamela Dias on behalf of Ajike Owens’ estate, in a complaint filed in June: “Defendant, Susan L. Lorincz, contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s office with erroneous allegations of battery, assault, trespass, and theft against the decedent, Ajike S. [Owens], and her children.”
What Happens Next
The deposition of Dias is scheduled for January 21 of next year, according to court records.
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