(NewsNation) — Netflix’s newest documentary, “The Perfect Neighbor,” takes viewers through the details of how a minor disagreement between neighbors in Florida became deadly.
Ajike “AJ” Shantell Owens was shot and killed by Susan Lorincz on June 2, 2023. Through police bodycam footage, ring cam footage and cellphone footage, the documentary pieces together the events that immediately preceded Owens’ death.
“This shocking crime left my family and me engulfed in grief and confusion,” the documentary’s director, Geeta Gandbhir, said. “Ajike’s community was tight-knit, rooted in mutual support and trust. It was heartbreaking to witness how such a close environment could unravel so catastrophically.”
Lorincz, 58, was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm and given a 25-year prison sentence.
What key events are spotlighted in ‘The Perfect Neighbor’?
Starting in the fall of 2022, Susan Lorincz constantly complained to police about kids in her neighborhood. The children, primarily Black, frequently rode bikes and scooters and played noisily on the lawn or vacant lot near her home.
Footage from the doc revealed officers repeatedly responded to Lorincz’s calls with skepticism because she was the only resident with these complaints. The children were not technically playing on Lorincz’s property; they were playing in her next-door neighbor’s yard.
Neighbors professed Lorincz would scream and curse at their children, while also recording them. The children told authorities that Lorincz also would harass them, call them slurs and swing an umbrella or a gun at them.
The day of the shooting, one of Owens’ older sons had left an electronic tablet while playing in a nearby field, which Lorincz retrieved. When the child’s brother asked Lorincz to return the tablet, she allegedly threw the device to the ground and shouted at him.
What preceded AJ Owens being shot by Lorincz?
Susan Lorincz claimed that Owens’ boys were trespassing on her property. When she told them to go away, the boys said they were going to get their mom.
Following Lorincz’s interaction with Owens’ sons, she called police and claimed AJ Owens was attempting to break down her door and threatened her life. Lorincz grabbed a gun and shot through her door, not realizing Owens’ son was standing there, as well.
“I thought she was going to kill me,” Lorincz told police.
Lorincz called police minutes later and reported that she had shot Owens through the door. Owens was struck in the right side of her chest. After being rushed to the hospital, she passed away hours later.
What happened to Susan Lorincz?
After Owens’ death, an investigation began and Lorincz was arrested five days later. Lorincz was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault.
Owens’ family pleaded with investigators to charge Lorincz with second-degree murder. However, those charges were never filed due to “insufficient evidence.”
Lorincz was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During her sentencing hearing, she apologized for killing Owens.
“I’m so sorry that I took AJ’s life. I never intended to kill her,” Lorincz said in a statement. “I am just profoundly sad. Not only did a mother die, but a daughter, a sister. I think of your family’s loss and know how hard it is to lose someone you love.”
Lorincz’s release date is set for April 2028, per the Florida Department of Corrections.
AJ Owens’ family sued Susan Lorincz for wrongful death
In July 2025, AJ Owens’ family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lorincz.
The complaint was filed individually against Lorincz and Charles Gabbard, the landlord of the house where the shooting occurred. Owens’ family is seeking at least $50,000 in damages.
The case is ongoing.