Woman arrested in connection with the shooting death of Black Florida mother who was killed after knocking on neighbor’s door

CNN
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A woman has been arrested in central Florida last week in connection with the death of Ajke “AJ” Owens, a black mother who authorities say was shot after knocking on a neighbor’s door, a sheriff’s office spokesman said. person announced.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced early Wednesday that Susan Louise Lorintz, 58, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter with a firearm, manslaughter, assault, and two counts of assault.

Lorinz, who is white, was taken into custody Tuesday night, according to the sheriff’s office. It’s not clear at this time if she has her lawyer with her.

Her first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, according to the sheriff’s office. Before Ms. Lorinz was placed in a cell at the Marion County Jail, she was “tested to be medically cleared.” The sheriff’s office said she will not appear in court and will do so via video call.

Owens was shot through the door of a neighbor’s house near Ocala, Fla., on Friday, officials said. Owens’ family and her lawyers have called for her murderer to be arrested and charged. Her family also accused Ms Lorinz of yelling at and racially insulting Owens’ children before the shooting.

According to a sheriff’s office news release, Ms Lorinz told police she was in self-defense and tried to break down the door before Ms Owens fired her gun. Ms Lorintz also said Ms Owens had chased her in her past and attacked her before, according to her statement.

“Through an investigation that included obtaining statements from witnesses who only came forward yesterday, detectives were able to establish that Lorinz’s actions were not justified under Florida law,” the sheriff’s office said. said.

Fifth Chief State Attorney Walter Fogie said Tuesday that prosecutors are working with Marion County investigators to determine whether to press charges in the case.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said Monday that investigators should consider Florida’s “stand firm” law before making an arrest. The law allows people to respond with lethal force when they reasonably believe they are being threatened with death or serious injury, and states that “they are not involved in criminal activity, and . . . If you are in a place where you are, there is no need to withdraw. She otherwise has the right to do so. ”

Woods emphasized on Monday that authorities are primarily hearing the views of the unnamed shooter and are continuing to interview Owens’ children who witnessed the killing.

Investigators determined that Owens threw skates at the children, hit at least one of them, and then knocked on the door to confront Lorinz, Woods said.

Owens’ family claimed her murder was unjustified.

“My daughter, the mother of my granddaughter, was shot with her 9-year-old son standing next to her,” Owens’ mother Pamela Diaz said Monday. She said, “She didn’t have a weapon and she didn’t pose an immediate threat to anyone.”

The Owens family and attorneys Ben Crump and Anthony Thomas are scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday.

According to the incident report, one witness told the sheriff’s deputy that the children were playing in a nearby field before the shooting and had an argument after a neighbor picked up an electronic tablet that one of the children had left on the ground. said that happened.

According to Woods, the shooter was “involved” with the Owens children, throwing skates at them and hitting at least one.

Woods said one of Owens’ children then came home and told her mother what had happened, and Owens walked over to the house next door and knocked on the door.

The sheriff said Mr Owens was shot through the door when he confronted his neighbor. Officers arrived at the scene Friday night after receiving a trespassing report and found Owens lying in the grass after being shot, according to the incident report.

Authorities said the mother was later taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Owens’ family and lawyers met at a news conference on Monday to demand justice for her murder, calling it unjust and unjust.

In an interview with MSNBC on Monday, Owens’ mother said Owens acted “like any parent would.”

“She just knocked on the door, no weapon, no weapon. I did,” Diaz told MSNBC.

A single mother of four, Owens is remembered by her loved ones as someone who devotedly cared for her family and tested positive for infectious diseases.

“She had a smile that brightened up the room,” reads a verified GoFundMe page set up by her family. “But most of all, she was known for how much she loved and absolutely lived with her four children.”

“For her, there was nothing she didn’t do for those close and dear to her. She would often donate to other single mothers in a similar situation.” It was written on the fundraising page.