Susan Lorincz on trial

Jury selection began on August 12, 2024, for Susan Lorincz, charged with manslaughter for the June 2023 shooting death of her neighbor, Ajike 'AJ' Owens, a Black mother of four. The trial is presided over by Circuit Judge Robert Hodges, with prosecutors Rich Buxman and Adam Smith representing the state, while Lorincz is defended by attorneys from the Public Defender's Office. The incident occurred when Lorincz shot Owens through her locked front door after a dispute involving Owens' children, with Lorincz claiming self-defense. The case has garnered national attention, particularly due to allegations of racial slurs used by Lorincz towards Owens' children, although prosecutors have decided not to include this evidence in the trial. Lorincz faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, and her case has sparked ongoing discussions about race and self-defense in legal contexts. The trial is expected to conclude by the end of the week, with opening statements anticipated shortly after jury selection.