Inset: Ajike “A.J.” Owens (GoFundMe). Background: Susan Louise Lorincz in court (Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida)
A 60-year-old white woman from Florida was convicted this week after shooting her neighbor, a Black mother of four, by firing a gun through her locked front door as the victim stood on the porch knocking and was killed in front of her children.
Susan Louise Lorincz was found guilty on Friday of manslaughter by use of a firearm in the death of Ajike “A.J.” Owens, 35. The all-white jury made its decision after deliberating for over two hours, The Associated Press reported.
Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, applauded the verdict outside court, the wire service reported.
“We’ve achieved some justice for Ajike. My heart is a little lighter,” Dias said. “This has been a long journey to get to this stage, to get to this verdict. I find some peace with that verdict.”
Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney, said in a news release the case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.