The Susan Lorincz guilty verdict could impact how “Stand Your Ground” defenses are evaluated in the future, according to legal experts. Lorincz claimed she acted in self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, but the jury rejected that argument and found her guilty of manslaughter.

Susan Lorincz Guilty Verdict

Last June, a neighborhood dispute in Ocala turned fatal when 60-year-old Susan Lorincz shot her neighbor, 35-year-old Ajike “A.J.” Owens, a mother of four. The incident stemmed from an ongoing conflict over children, including Owens’s, playing near Lorincz’s residence. According to police, Lorincz had an altercation with the children, throwing objects at them. This prompted Owens to approach Lorincz’s door to address the situation. Lorincz then fired a handgun through the door, fatally wounding the unarmed Owens in the chest.

 Lorincz admitted to the shooting. She was arrested a few days later and charged with manslaughter. The trial began on Tuesday at the Marion County courthouse in Ocala. As the case progressed, both the prosecution and defense presented compelling arguments to the jury. The prosecution sought to prove that Lorincz’s actions were unjustified and amounted to manslaughter, while the defense team worked to establish grounds for self-defense.

The Prosecution’s Case

Prosecutors argued that Susan Lorincz acted with “reckless disregard for human life” when she shot Ajike “AJ” Owens through a locked door. They emphasized that Owens posed no imminent threat, as she was unarmed and unable to enter Lorincz’s apartment. The prosecution highlighted past conflicts between Lorincz and Owens, painting a picture of ongoing tension.

Evidence of recklessness

Prosecutor Rich Buxman stressed that banging on a door and yelling are not crimes. He pointed out that Lorincz’s door was structurally sound, with multiple locks, making it unreasonable to claim imminent danger. The prosecution also presented Lorincz’s admission of using racial slurs towards Owens’ children, suggesting a pattern of hostility.

Witness accounts

Neighbors testified to hearing loud pounding and shouting before the shooting. One witness called 911 after hearing a loud pop. These accounts supported the prosecution’s narrative of the events leading to the fatal confrontation.

Expert testimonies

The prosecution brought in experts to analyze the crime scene and the locked door, which became a focal point of their argument. They aimed to prove that Lorincz’s claim of self-defense was unfounded, given the physical barriers between her and Owens.

The Defense’s Arguments

The defense portrayed Susan Lorincz as a vulnerable woman who acted in self-defense. They emphasized her age, health issues, and living situation to paint a picture of someone easily frightened. Lorincz’s lawyers argued that she felt threatened by AJ Owens’ aggressive behavior, citing Florida’s “stand your ground” law to justify her actions.

Claims of self-defense

The defense team stressed that Lorincz genuinely feared for her life when Owens pounded on her door. They pointed out that Lorincz had taken precautions, such as installing a chain and placing a chair under the door, indicating her ongoing concerns about safety. They argued that Lorincz believed she had no choice but to shoot, fearing Owens would break down the door and harm her.

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Perspective

Orlando criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas said that the Lorincz verdict may lead to stricter interpretations of “Stand Your Ground” laws. Judges could limit its application, while prosecutors may challenge such defenses more aggressively.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, call 407-644-2466 to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.