Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods has emphatically stated that Susan Lorincz should not be regarded as a “perfect neighbor,” following the release of the Netflix documentary, The Perfect Neighbor. The film examines the tragic shooting death of Ajike “AJ” Owens by Lorincz on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. In an interview with NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield, Woods discussed the documentary’s portrayal of events leading up to the shooting and its aftermath.
According to Sheriff Woods, Lorincz’s self-description as “the perfect neighbor” is misleading. “I think they did a good job,” he stated, referring to the documentary. “The only thing I always said is [Lorincz] was far from ‘the perfect neighbor.'” The documentary, which was released on October 17, 2023, utilizes police bodycam footage, 911 calls, and various video recordings to paint a comprehensive picture of the incident.
Details of the Incident
The documentary chronicles the events leading to the fatal confrontation, highlighting a series of escalating disputes between Lorincz and Owens’ family. On the day of the shooting, a confrontation began when Owens’ 10-year-old son approached Lorincz to retrieve a tablet. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Lorincz responded by throwing a roller skate at the boy’s foot, prompting him to return home upset.
Later, the boy returned with his 12-year-old brother to address the situation. Reports indicate that during this encounter, Lorincz swung an umbrella at the siblings. Following this, Owens knocked on Lorincz’s door “multiple times” to discuss the incident. Eventually, Lorincz shot Owens through her locked front door, striking her in the upper chest and resulting in her death.
Race and Legal Implications
Race has been a focal point in discussions surrounding the case. Lorincz, who is white, shot Owens, a Black woman, raising questions about racial motivations. Sheriff Woods addressed these concerns, stating, “Do I believe that Lorincz was probably racist? There’s a very good possibility. Do I think [the shooting] was racially motivated? Absolutely not.” This perspective contrasts with claims made in the past, where Lorincz reportedly used racial slurs against Owens’ children.
On July 1, 2023, Lorincz was charged with manslaughter with a firearm. She was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison. The case has drawn significant media attention, particularly in light of ongoing conversations about race relations and gun violence in the United States.
As the documentary continues to spark discussions about the events surrounding AJ Owens’ death, the narrative remains complex and multifaceted. The sheriff’s statements suggest a belief that while Lorincz’s behavior was problematic, the motivations behind her actions do not align with racial bias. This perspective adds another layer to an already tragic story, highlighting the intricacies of human relationships and conflicts within communities.
