Woman accused in Ocala neighbor’s shooting death requests speedy trial

1 year ago 442

Susan Lorincz, 59, faces manslaughter charge

Susan Lorincz (Marion County Sheriff's Office)

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Marion County woman accused of fatally shooting her neighbor last year is due back in court Thursday morning.

Susan Lorincz, 59, faces a charge of manslaughter after prosecutors said she shot Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old Ocala mother of four, on June 2 following a monthslong dispute over where children were playing outside.

Lorincz was originally set to stand trial in November, but the defense saw her case pushed back to June after asking for more time to schedule depositions. However, court records show that a hearing was scheduled earlier this week for 10:30 a.m. Thursday to take up Lorincz’s demand for a speedy trial.

Owens was fatally shot through a locked door that she had approached to confront her neighbor, reportedly after Lorincz threw a pair of skates at her child, according to investigators.

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Body-worn camera video that begins moments after deputies arrived to the 1600 block of SW 108th Lane shows a chaotic scene. Lorincz was placed in handcuffs and a voice out of frame can be heard telling Owens to wake up.

Deputies said that the two had several altercations before the shooting occurred, with neighbors claiming Lorincz would often insult and lob slurs at children for playing in a common area that she believed to be hers.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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