Ajike Owens’ 10-year-old only did one interview, and it was as hopeful as it was tragic

As shown in Netflix’s new documentary, Ajike Owens’ two sons and daughter, Afrika, were informed of her death after she was shot by Susan Lorincz. The scene was incredibly difficult to watch as their dad told them the news.

Two years on, and the kids are in therapy following the events that unfolded in The Perfect Neighbor. AJ’s eldest sons, Israel and Isaac, were obviously devastated by her death, which Israel witnessed and thought, “In his soul, in his heart, it’s his fault.”

“Our 12-year-old [Isaac] 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,” Pamela Dias said.

Though most updates on Ajike Owens’ eldest sons came from their grandmother, Israel did appear on The View nearly one year after the tragic shooting – here’s what he said.

Ajike Owens’ son was happy to be on the show

Credit: The View

Seven months after the death of Ajike Owens, her mother, Pamela, and son, Israel, sat with the ladies on The View to talk about the healing process. Pamela said that “every day brings a new emotion”, that sometimes their happy and hopeful, and then the tears come. Despite the tragedy, they’d celebrated a number of occasions since AJ’s passing, including her birthday “balloon release” with friends and family.

“We’re intentional about being happy now,” Pamela said. “Trying to live in the joy, and not the pain and sorrow.”

One of The View’s hosts, Sunny Hostin, thanked “brave” Israel for being there and serving as an inspiration for other kids in his position.

Most Read

Ok, here’s exactly what MAFS’ Keye actually does for work after ‘six figure salary’ comments

This Scottish girl faked a pregnancy for nine months — and she’s finally spoken out

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

“No, thank you for supporting us,” Israel, who was 10 at the time, said, confirming that he felt “fine” and “great to be on the show” where he felt “comfortable” to talk about his mother.

At the time, Israel and his brother were preparing to attend Experience Camps, a dedicated summer camp for kids suffering from grief and loss. Though Israel ‘Izzy’ Owens seemed nervous about the camp at first, upon seeing the website, he felt more comfortable about sharing his story amongst other kids going through similar experiences.

When asked what he was most looking forward to, he said: “To make new friends, to feel comfortable talking about it, and doing fun activities. Most importantly, getting over the loss of my mum.”

Almost a year after Ajike Owens was fatally shot by a neighbor, her 10-year-old son Israel and mother Pamela Dias join #TheView to open up about their journey with grief and get a special surprise before Israel attends Experience Camps, which helps children navigate loss. pic.twitter.com/4tsgJJ0EGn

— The View (@TheView) January 25, 2024

When Israel became a little emotional, Whoopi Goldberg encouraged him by explaining that grief “evolves”, but “you’re not alone. You’re not alone.”

Israel also explained that Whoopi Goldberg films like Sister Act and The Color Purple were some of Ajike’s favourites. Funnily enough, purple was also her favourite colour.