Today is a bittersweet day for the family and friends of Ajike “AJ” Owens. According to NBC News, Susan Lorincz, the woman who killed Owens with a gunshot through the front door, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter in August.
We say “bittersweet” because we’re sure that Owens’ family and children would much rather have her alive with them than celebrate her killer’s comeuppance. That said, in a state like Florida, which is notorious for unflinching “stand your ground” laws, getting justice is no easy feat.
AJ’s mother, Pamela Dias, gave a victim impact statement prior to the sentence announcement.
“I stand before you not only mourning the loss of my daughter, but also the loss of our hopes, dreams and the future that we often spoke of,” Dias told the court.
“I‘m still trying to grasp and cope with the fact that my daughter, my baby girl, is lying six feet underground, breathless, lifeless.”
Lorincz also addressed the court:
“I am so sorry. I never intended to kill her,” she told the court. “I am just profoundly sad. Not only did a mother die but a daughter, a sister, I think of your family’s loss.”
Marion County Circuit Court Judge Robert Hodges said that Lorincz’s decision to take Owens’ life did “significant harm” to her loved ones.
“I find that the shooting was completely unnecessary,” the judge said. “In this case, Ms. Lorincz was behind the door. The door was locked.”
We’re glad to see this woman held accountable for her actions. Remorse isn’t a reprieve.