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Relatives celebrate life of Ocala mother killed by neighbor

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Family and friends held a celebration for Ajike “AJ” Owens in Marion County on Sunday to mark the one-year anniversary of her shooting. Owens left behind four children when her neighbor shot her in June 2023. Susan Lorincz was shot through a closed door in Ocala, officials said. Investigators said the bullet struck Owens during an argument over Owens’ children playing near Lorincz’s home. “I find peace knowing she lives on through Titus, Africa, Israel and Isaac,” said Pamela Dias, Owens’ mother. Dias cares for her four grandchildren. She said she tries to be strong for them as she deals with the loss of her child. “We cry every day,” Dias said. “We cry silent tears every moment of the day.” Family, friends and community members decorated the sports center outside the Immerse Church of Ocala in purple to honor Owens with their favorite color. “We love you, AJ!” The crowd released balloons. “My mom was my hero. She will be in my heart forever,” said Israel, Owens’ son. Israel was just 9 years old when he witnessed his mother fall to the ground after being shot. He recited a poem about how much he misses his mother. “She gave from her heart and wanted nothing in return. My mom was the best. I learned so much from her,” Israel said. Dias said it was a year of many firsts without their mother, and it was especially hard on the children. “Even though I love my daughter and I lost her, I had more time with her,” Dias said. “We had so little time with her. Time they will never get back. Memories that may fade because of their age, but we try to get through them.” Owens’ children gave touching speeches and performances during the celebration of their mother’s life. Owens always wanted her faith to remain strong. “They were raised deep in the church,” Dias said. The family’s attorney, Anthony Thomas, said a guilty verdict would help them process the case. “We’re going to ask the judge for the maximum sentence in this case. We believe the maximum sentence for what Susan did is 35 years,” Thomas said. “I don’t think there’s any real justice because these children will never get their mother back,” Dias said. Susan Lorincz’s pretrial hearing begins Wednesday. Jury selection is scheduled for June 17.

OCALA, Florida —

Family and friends held a celebration in Marion County on Sunday to honor Ajike “AJ” Owens and mark the one-year anniversary of her shooting.

Owens left behind four children when her neighbor shot her in June 2023.

Susan Lorincz fired a shot through a closed door in Ocala, officials said. Investigators said the bullet struck Owens during an argument about Owens’ children playing near Lorincz’s home.

“It gives me peace to know that she lives on in Titus, Africa, Israel and Isaac,” said Pamela Dias, Owens’ mother.

Dias takes care of her four grandchildren.

She said she is trying to be strong for her as she copes with the loss of her child.

“We cry every day,” Dias said. “We cry silent tears every moment of the day.”

Family, friends and community members decorated the sports center outside the Immerse Church of Ocala in purple to honor Owens with their favorite color.

“We love you, AJ!” the crowd shouted, releasing balloons.

“My mother was my hero. She will be in my heart forever,” said Israel, Owens’ son.

Israel was only nine years old when he saw his mother fall to the ground after being shot. He wrote a poem about how much he missed his mother.

“She gave from her heart and wanted nothing in return. My mother was the best. I learned so much from her,” said Israel.

Dias said it had been a year full of firsts without her mother and it had been especially hard for the children.

“Even though I love my daughter and I lost her, I had more time with her,” Dias said. “(The children) had so little time with her. Time they will never get again. Memories that may fade because of their age, but we are trying to get past that.”

Owens’ children gave touching speeches and performances during the celebration of their mother’s life.

Owens always wanted her faith to remain strong.

“They were raised deeply in the church,” Dias said.

The family’s lawyer, Anthony Thomas, said a guilty verdict would help them heal the pain.

“We will ask the judge for the maximum sentence in this case. We believe the maximum sentence for Susan’s crime is about 35 years,” Thomas said.

“I don’t think there is any real justice because these children will never get their mother back,” Dias said.

Susan Lorincz’s pretrial hearing begins Wednesday, with jury selection scheduled for June 17.

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