When it came time to sentence Susan Lorincz for the fatal shooting of her neighbor in 2023, her defense attorneys argued that because of past trauma and a clean record, the 60-year-old Ocala woman should receive probation instead of prison, while the victim’s family and prosecutors wanted the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

While Judge Robert Hodges recognized these mitigating factors—particularly Lorincz’s traumatic past and lack of a criminal record—he emphasized that they must be weighed against the significant harm inflicted on Owens’ family and community. He sentenced Lorincz to 25 years in prison, a slight downward departure from the maximum sentence of 30 years.

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Analysis

Orlando criminal defense attorney and television legal analyst Jose Rivas noted that the fact that Lorincz was found guilty of felony manslaughter with a firearm was a major factor in deciding for a lengthy sentence. “Charges like this will typically draw a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, but the maximum in this case was 30 years because there was a gun involved,” he said.

Lorincz was convicted in August 2024 in the killing of Ajike “AJ” Owens, by shooting her through her locked front door in the midst of a heated neighborhood dispute.

Rivas said that the defense had a difficult challenge, but did all they could to present a case for mitigation and downward departure. “The defense did good work having a doctor testify about Susan’s mental status. The doctor testified that she had what is called PTSD, which is a mental condition that can affect how she acted that day,” Rivas said. “However, they were seeking probation, which isn’t realistic when there’s a deceased person who left behind four minors without a mother. So I believe the judge took this into consideration and from the maximum, gave 5 years less, which is 25 years. However, given Susan’s age, this is effectively a life sentence.”

Mitigating Factors Considered in Lorincz Sentence

• Childhood Trauma and PTSD One of the primary mitigating factors presented by Lorincz’s defense was her history of childhood trauma, specifically that she had been a victim of sexual abuse.
• Lack of Criminal History Lorincz had no prior criminal record, which is often considered a mitigating factor in sentencing. The absence of previous offenses can suggest that the defendant is less likely to reoffend and may indicate that the crime was an aberration rather than part of a pattern of behavior.
• Emotional State and Perceived Threat During the trial, Lorincz claimed she felt threatened by Owens when she approached her door, stating that she panicked and believed her life was in danger. However, Judge Hodges rejected this claim, emphasizing that Lorincz was behind a locked door at the time of the shooting and therefore not in imminent danger.
• Expressions of Remorse Lorincz expressed remorse during her sentencing, stating that she never intended to kill Owens and was profoundly saddened by the loss.

Prosecution Asks For Maximum Sentence

• The prosecution argued that the shooting was not justifiable, noting that Owens was unarmed and that Lorincz had options to avoid confrontation. They maintained that there was no evidence to support Lorincz’s claims of being in immediate danger.
• Ahead of the sentencing, Owens’ family expressed their desire for the judge to impose the maximum sentence, stating that while the guilty verdict was an important step toward justice, it did not restore the life taken from them. They also argued that a maximum sentence would send a strong message about accountability and the value of human life.

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, Telemundo, and many other news outlets.