MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A judge sentenced Ocala resident Susan Lorincz to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections Monday, Nov. 25, after a jury found her guilty of manslaughter in August for the 2023 fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike “Aj” Owens.

Defense attorneys have up to 30 days to appeal the ruling.

Lorincz was accused of fatally shooting Owens through her front door on June 2, 2023, following an argument between the neighbors over Owens’ children.

Officials said it was an ongoing dispute centered on where Owens’ four children played. Prosecutors said Owens started pounding on Lorincz’s door after she threw roller skates and an umbrella at the children.

While the defense argued self-defense, prosecutors argued that there was no evidence to support that Lorenz’s life was in immediate danger.

"The outcome of this trial reflects our commitment to justice and the integrity of our legal system," said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney in a statement. "While we understand that many cases can attract diverse opinions, our office will always focus on the facts and the law. This conviction is a testament to the hard work of our team and our dedication to standing up for victims."