Netflix’s 'The Perfect Neighbor': What happened to Susan Lorincz and where is she now? Inside the tragic 2023 Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens shooting

'The Perfect Neighbor'- a brand new true crime documentary has dropped on Netflix but behind the entertainment lies a horrifying real case. The Perfect Neighbor is a new feature film based on a hair-raising murder case in Florida. Released on October 17, Netflix's 'The Perfect Neighbor' revisits the killing of Florida mom Ajike “AJ” Owens - a tragedy that exposed years of neighborhood tension and racial animosity. Ajike “AJ” Owens, a mother of four,was killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala in 2023.

Ajike “AJ” Shantrell Owens was just 35 when her life ended in front of her children’s eyes. On June 2, 2023, the single mother of four was shot through the front door of her neighbor’s home in Ocala, Florida - a bullet fired by 58-year-old insurance agent Susan Lorincz.

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Netflix's 'The Perfect Neighbor'

Ajike “AJ” Shantrell Owens was just 35 when her life ended in front of her children’s eyes. On June 2, 2023, the single mother of four was shot through the front door of her neighbor’s home in Ocala, Florida - a bullet fired by 58-year-old insurance agent Susan Lorincz.

Netflix teases: "She would call 911, hurl racial slurs and make threats - all over children playing. A devastating crime unfolds through years of police bodycam footage." The Perfect Neighbor documentary is based on the killing of Ajike 'AJ' Owens, who was shot and killed by her 58-year-old neighbour Susan Lorincz on June 2, 2023.

What did Susan Lorincz do?

The documentary explores a long-standing feud between neighbors that had simmered for years. Several residents reported that Lorincz would become hostile toward Owens' children playing outside, even allegedly using racial slurs. On the day of the shooting, Owens reportedly visited Lorincz to address a prior dispute. During this encounter, Lorincz shot Owens through the door.

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Lorincz’s arrest was delayed as police investigated her claim of self-defense under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, a move that sparked significant outrage in the community.

Where is Susan Lorincz now?

After her arrest, Lorincz was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. In November 2024, she was sentenced to 25 years in prison. She is currently serving her sentence at the Homestead Correctional Institution in Homestead, Florida.

The BBC reported Lorincz, who was inside her home when she opened fire with a handgun, struck the single mum of four in the chest. Despite not testifying in her trial, she previously said she feared for her life when Owens came to the door.

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The BBC reported at the time that Lorincz denied the shooting was about race, adding: ""I am so sorry that I took AJ’s life. I never intended to kill her.

"The night I shot that gun I was confused as to why she was screaming and pounding on my door. Please accept my humble and sincere apology for this tragedy."

The case sparked debates about the Stand your ground law which justifies the use of deadly force when someone has reason to believe they are under genuine threat from a violent crime. According to reports, the law is currently in force in over half of US states, including in Florida.