A sad update on AJ Owens’ kids, two years after their mum was killed by Susan Lorincz

Netflix’s new documentary, The Perfect Neighbor, is as gripping as it is terrifyingly sad, with mum-of-four Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens being shot in full view of one of her kids.

On June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida, 35-year-old AJ Owens was killed by her neighbour, Susan Lorincz, who fired one shot through her bolted door. She claimed to have been fearing for her life.

As shown in the Netflix film through intense body camera footage, Israel, who was nine at the time, was by his mother’s side when she was shot. He ran to his own house, begging for someone to call 911, with Isaac also watching as emergency services attempted to resuscitate her.

Ajike’s young kids, Israel, Isaac, Afrika and Titus, were informed of their mum’s death afterwards, and the ensuing scene was incredibly difficult to watch. Though the horrific incident happened two years ago, AJ’s family is still grappling with the fallout.

The kids almost testified at Susan Lorincz’s trial

During Susan Lorincz’s 2024 trial, AJ’s two eldest sons, Isaac and Israel, were listed as potential witnesses because they were there when the manslaughter happened. Pamela Dias, AJ’s mum, hoped her grandkids “did not have to testify [but] if this is what it takes to get justice, and this is what we have to do.”

Thankfully, neither the state nor the defence called for Isaac or Israel to remember the dreadful night their mother was killed.

Isaac and Israel feel responsible for their mum’s death

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During an appearance on The View, Pamela detailed how Isaac and Israel feel responsible for Ajike’s death because they were unable to save her.

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“The nine-year-old feels as if he hadn’t left his tablet, his mother would still be here. The 12-year-old, he couldn’t do anything to save her,” she said.

Expanding on her thoughts in an interview with MSNBC, she also said Israel believes that “In his soul, in his heart, it’s his fault.”

“Our 12-year-old blames himself for the death of his mother because he couldn’t save her. He couldn’t give her CPR. His words were, ‘Grandma, grandma, I couldn’t save her,” she added.

A year after her death, AJ’s family held a memorial for her where Afrika read a poem in tribute, a portion of which read: “My mom is my hero. Forever will she be in my heart.”

Ajike Owens’ kids are now in therapy

Credit: Netflix

Two years on from their mum’s manslaughter, her kids are still reeling from the experience and are now in therapy. Isaac is currently in trauma therapy, and the family are researching counselling for Israel as well.

“It’s been very hard for the children – they were very young when they lost their mother, and it’s something no child should have to endure. At the same time, they’ve shown strength and resilience that continues to amaze me,” their grandmother said just this month.

“I can see the values my daughter instilled in them – her kindness, her love, her faith – and that means they carry a piece of her wherever they go.”

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Featured image credit: Netflix and GoFundMe