In Ocala, Florida, a jury will be responsible for determining the justification behind a 60-year-old white woman shooting through her apartment door a year ago, resulting in the death of a Black mother during a dispute over neighborhood children. The incident took place in June 2023 in Ocala, located 80 miles northwest of Orlando.

According to the opening statements presented to the jurors, the conflict escalated from children playing in a nearby field outside Susan Lorincz’s apartment. Lorincz allegedly threw skates at the children. In response, Ajike “A.J.” Owens, a mother of some of the children residing across the street, went to Lorincz’s apartment to address the situation, as she was displeased with Lorincz’s treatment of the kids.

During the confrontation, Owens reportedly banged loudly on Lorincz’s door. Lorincz’s defense attorney, Morris Carranza, described Owens as aggressive and threatening, causing Lorincz to fear for her safety. Claiming self-defense, Carranza stated that Lorincz believed she had no other option but to fire her .380-caliber handgun through the door.

Witness Yvonne Costa, a neighbor in an adjoining apartment, testified hearing raised voices followed by loud banging that shook the walls between their apartments. She recounted a loud pop, screams, and Owens collapsing outside. Costa rushed to call 911 upon hearing the commotion.

Although the state attorney’s office contemplated charging Lorincz with second-degree murder, they found insufficient evidence to support allegations of malice or hatred towards Owens. The case now rests with the jury to determine the outcome of the shooting incident.