A white Florida woman facing manslaughter charges in the shooting death of her Black neighbor has decided not to testify in her own defense. The trial, which has garnered national attention, centers around the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Ajike “A.J.” Owens by 60-year-old Susan Lorincz in Ocala, Florida.
The incident occurred in June 2023 following a long-standing dispute between the two neighbors. The conflict stemmed from Owens' children playing near Lorincz's home, leading to a confrontation on the night of the shooting. Owens was reportedly banging on Lorincz's door and yelling loudly when Lorincz fired a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun through the door, fatally striking Owens in the chest.
During the trial, the defense called three expert witnesses to testify on ballistics and crime scenes, while prosecutors presented their case, which concluded on Wednesday. Lorincz, who could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, informed the court that she had chosen not to testify after consulting with her legal team.
Recorded interviews between detectives and Lorincz were played in court, where she maintained that she acted in self-defense out of fear for her life. However, Owens' family and their legal representatives have disputed this claim, alleging that Lorincz had intended to harm Owens from the outset.
The case has sparked protests in the Black community, prompting prosecutors to deliberate for several weeks before charging Lorincz with manslaughter rather than second-degree murder. The trial is taking place in Marion County, with an all-white jury set to begin deliberations following closing arguments and jury instructions on Friday.
Ocala, located approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando in central Florida, has become the focal point of this high-profile legal proceeding.
