Understanding Susan Lorincz’s Sentencing and Trial in The Perfect Neighbor Case
Susan Lorincz’s trial for the murder of Ajike “AJ” Owens has once again gained attention following the release of the acclaimed Netflix documentary, The Perfect Neighbor.
The Perfect Neighbor, which premiered on Netflix in October 2025, explores the circumstances surrounding Owens’s death, which took place in June 2023. Owens, a Black woman, lived next door to Lorincz, a white woman, in Ocala, Florida. Over three years, Lorincz repeatedly called the police on Owens’ children for playing in the yard adjacent to her home. (Owens was the mother of four: sons Isaac, Israel, and Titus, as well as daughter Afrika.)
The conflict between the two women intensified after an incident involving Lorincz and Owens’ children. Owens approached Lorincz’s home to discuss the matter. After several knocks went unanswered, Lorincz shot Owens through her front door, striking her in the chest. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was declared dead. Days later, Lorincz was arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault.
The Perfect Neighbor primarily features 911 calls and body camera footage from law enforcement’s repeated visits to the neighborhood of Lorincz and Owens. The documentary does not show any footage of Owens’ murder.
Continue reading to find out what transpired during Lorincz’s trial and sentencing:
What Did Susan Lorincz Do?
Lorincz had an altercation with Owens’ children when one reportedly went to retrieve a tablet left in the yard where they had been playing. Allegedly, Lorincz threw a pair of roller skates and swung an umbrella at the children, according to an affidavit obtained by CNN. Another neighbor informed authorities that Lorincz used racial slurs towards the children, as stated in the filing.
After her children informed her about the incident, Owens went to confront Lorincz. She asked Lorincz to come outside to discuss the issue. Instead of stepping out, Lorincz shot and killed Owens through the front door; Owens’ son was nearby at the time.
What Was Susan Lorincz’s Defense?
Upon law enforcement’s arrival, Lorincz claimed she felt threatened by Owens and acted in self-defense. She stated that Owens was knocking so forcefully that she feared her door would break down. The investigation, however, found no evidence that Owens attempted to enter Lorincz’s home or posed an imminent threat. Charged with manslaughter with a firearm, Lorincz pleaded not guilty.
Was Susan Lorincz Found Guilty?
A jury convicted Lorincz of manslaughter in August 2024.
When Was Susan Lorincz Sentenced to Prison?
In November 2024, Lorincz received a sentence of 25 years in prison.
What Did Susan Lorincz Say in Court?
Although Lorincz did not testify during her trial, she expressed remorse in a statement following her sentencing.
“I am so sorry I took AJ’s life,” Lorincz stated during her sentencing, according to CNN. “I never intended to kill her.”
Lorincz mentioned feeling confused on the night of the shooting due to Owens allegedly screaming at her.
Where Is Susan Lorincz Serving Her Sentence?
Lorincz is currently incarcerated at the Homestead Correctional Institution in Homestead, Florida. Her scheduled release date is April 8, 2048, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
