White Woman Who Killed Black Mother For Knocking On Her Door Will Not Face Murder Charges

A white woman who fatally shot a Black mother for knocking on her door will not face murder charges.

On Monday, State Attorney Bill Gladson shared the grim conclusion, confirming that 58-year-old Susan Lorincz would not face second-degree murder charges for killing her neighbor, Ajike “AJ” Owens, in Ocala, Florida. The mother of four repeatedly knocked on Lorincz’s door to confront her over hitting one of her children with a roller skate. Lorincz had previously called the kids racial slurs, which created tension between her and Owens. Sadly, things boiled over on June 2nd when Lorincz fired a shot through her front door, striking Owens, who had her son standing next to her.

Lorincz was officially charged Monday with one count of manslaughter with a firearm and one count of assault, State Attorney William Gladson said in a news release. She faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on the charges, according to the statement.

Prosecutors said they “carefully examined the viability of both second-degree murder and manslaughter with a firearm, both first degree felonies.” However, they are not confident that they’ll secure a win with the harsher charges. Gladson shared that in charging the shooter with murder, the state would have to prove Lorincz had a “depraved mind” at the time of the shooting.

“As deplorable as the defendant’s actions were in this case, there is insufficient evidence to prove this specific and required element of second-degree murder,” the statement read. “While some may not agree with that decision, I can assure you that the decision was thoughtful and made without consideration of any factors other than the specific facts of this terrible crime.”

Lorincz was arrested on June 8 on original charges of manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. Lorincz claims she was scared for her life when Owens came to confront her, though there is no evidence to suggest the concerned mom was coming to harm Lorincz.

Owens’ family is hurt about the State Attorney failing to upgrade the charges, but they are happy that they were properly informed of the decision.

“The family is devastated, but it’s something I tried to prepare them for,” stated the Owens’ family attorney, Anthony Thomas.