After years of threats, a feud ends with a Black mom dead and her white neighbor arrested

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A tragic incident unfolded last week, resulting in the death of a mother in front of her children, concluding a longstanding feud between neighbors. On Tuesday, Susan Louise Lorincz, a 58-year-old white woman, was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault in connection with the killing of Ajike Owens, a Black mother of four. Sheriff Billy Woods addressed the public, emphasizing that this was not a stand your ground case, but rather, a straightforward act of violence.

The arrest of Lorincz came after mounting pressure on authorities, as the case brought attention back to Florida’s controversial stand your ground law. In a Facebook video released by the sheriff’s office, detectives and a deputy were seen leading Lorincz down a hallway with her hands restrained. Though she was booked into jail, no lawyer representing her was listed in the records. The sheriff’s office stated that Lorincz was unable to attend the initial court hearing due to undergoing medical testing.

During a subsequent news conference held at the New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, alongside Owens’ family, friends, and community leaders, expressed gratitude towards the sheriff for making the arrest while demanding justice for Owens. They clarified that the so-called “feud” mentioned by the sheriff was primarily between Lorincz and neighborhood children who often played near her home. Witnesses testified that Lorincz frequently directed offensive remarks at the children and provoked them.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday night when sheriff’s deputies responded to a trespassing call and discovered Owens with gunshot wounds. Lorincz claimed self-defense, alleging that Owens had attempted to forcibly enter her residence before she fired the fatal shot. Sheriff Woods declared that, based on eyewitness statements and thorough investigation, Lorincz’s actions did not meet the justifiable criteria under Florida law.

Earlier, Sheriff Woods cited the stand your ground law as a hindrance to making an immediate arrest, as he needed to prove that the shooter did not act in self-defense. The incident occurred shortly after Lorincz shouted at Owens’ children, who were playing outside. Lorincz allegedly threw a pair of skates that struck one of the children, leading to a confrontation and the subsequent shooting. The sheriff’s office has not confirmed whether racial slurs were uttered or if race played a role in the tragic event.

The aftermath of the incident has left Owens’ family devastated. Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, revealed that her two young grandsons, aged 12 and 9, harbor feelings of guilt as they were present during the shooting and were unable to save their mother. Dias expressed gratitude for the community’s support and shared her determination to raise her four grandchildren with the help of family and friends.

The arrest of Lorincz followed a demonstration by approximately three dozen protesters, predominantly Black, outside the Marion County Judicial Center, demanding justice for the shooting. State Attorney William Gladson met with the protesters, urging patience while the investigation progressed and emphasizing the need for comprehensive evidence in building a strong case. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump issued a statement expressing relief at Lorincz’s arrest while raising concerns about the delay caused by outdated laws like stand your ground.

Instances like this tragedy highlight the ongoing debate surrounding stand your ground and castle doctrine laws, which allow residents to defend themselves in threatening situations. The case of George Zimmerman, who fatally shot Trayvon Martin in 2012, is one of the most prominent examples involving the stand your ground argument. As the community seeks justice for Ajike Owens, the incident has once again sparked national outrage and intensified discussions on self-defense laws in various states.

In conclusion, the devastating consequences of a prolonged feud have left a community grieving the loss of a beloved mother. The incident underscores the urgency to address concerns surrounding self-defense laws and ensure that justice prevails for Ajike Owens and her family.

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