Following the tragic death of Ajike “AJ” Owens in 2023, where she was fatally shot by her neighbor Susan Lorincz, her four children have been navigating life without their mother. The incident unfolded after years of tension between Lorincz and Owens’ children, who often played near their Florida apartment. Lorincz, who frequently harassed the children with racial slurs and complaints to the authorities, escalated the situation on the night of June 2, 2023, leading to the fatal shooting of Owens through a locked door.
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The case gained widespread attention when Lorincz claimed self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, but was ultimately convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison in August 2024. Recently, a Netflix documentary titled The Perfect Neighbor shed light on the events leading to Owens’ death. The documentary included police bodycam footage that provided insight into the tragic incident.
Owens, a devoted single mother, left behind four children: Isaac, Israel, Afrika, and Titus. At the time of her death, the children were aged between 3 and 12. Owens was described as a dedicated mother who worked hard to ensure the best for her children despite her demanding job in the restaurant industry. She was actively involved in her children’s activities, serving as the ‘team mom’ for their football and cheerleading teams.
Israel, Owens’ son, witnessed the shooting alongside his mother, while Isaac, the oldest son, also saw the tragic event unfold. Both boys were deeply impacted by the incident, with feelings of guilt and loss overshadowing their young lives. Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, revealed that the children blamed themselves for their mother’s death, with Israel feeling remorseful for leaving his tablet in the field where the altercation occurred.
In the aftermath of Owens’ untimely passing, the children have been under the care of their grandmother, Dias. Isaac underwent trauma therapy, and efforts were made to support Israel, who was struggling with the traumatic events. Titus, the youngest of the siblings, displayed signs of confusion and distress following his mother’s death. Despite the challenges they faced, the children showed remarkable resilience and strength, embodying the values instilled by their late mother.
On the one-year anniversary of Owens’ death, her family gathered to honour her memory, with one of her children reciting a heartfelt poem. The children danced at the memorial, paying tribute to their mother’s vibrant spirit. Dias, who has been instrumental in supporting her grandchildren, also co-founded a nonprofit called the Standing in the Gap Fund in Owens’ honour. The fund aims to assist families affected by gun and racist violence while advocating for legislative change.
As the spotlight remains on the tragic loss of Ajike “AJ” Owens, her children continue to navigate the emotional aftermath of their mother’s death. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of senseless violence on families and communities, highlighting the resilience and courage displayed by those left behind in the face of adversity.