OCALA, Fla. – A jury of six men and two women were selected Tuesday for the trial of Susan Lorincz, a 60-year-old Ocala woman accused of fatally shooting her Black neighbor last year, an incident that has sparked outrage and protests.
After calling around 70 prospective jurors into the courtroom on Monday, attorneys selected a six-member jury and two alternates for Lorincz’s trial. The jury, composed of six men and two women, is entirely white.
Lorincz is accused of fatally shooting her neighbor, 25-year-old Ajike “AJ” Owens, on June 2, 2023.
Opening statements began with the prosecution outlining the events of that fateful day when deputies said Owens, a mother of four, approached Lorincz’s home to confront her about allegedly throwing roller skates at her children.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Lorincz fired a shot through a locked front door, striking and killing Owens.
The prosecution played a recording of Lorincz’s interview, where she admitted to firing the loaded pistol.
Owens’ children, who were all under 13 at the time of the shooting, are expected to testify during the trial, according to the family’s attorney, Anthony Thomas.
Lorincz’s defense claims she acted in self-defense, asserting that she feared for her life during the incident. In her recorded statement, she also mentioned not liking the way Owens spoke to her sons.
If convicted, Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison. The trial is expected to conclude on Friday.
As of Tuesday, Lorincz remains held in the Marion County Jail on suicide watch, according to authorities.