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The Perfect Neighbor tells the true story of Ajike “AJ” Owens’ murder. Owens was a Black woman living in Florida when she was shot and killed by her white neighbor Susan Lorincz. The women had tension over the years as Lorincz was constantly upset that Owens’ children played in the yard next to hers, and called law enforcement repeatedly over the alleged issue. (Owens was the mother of four kids: sons Isaac, Israel and Titus and daughter Afrika.) Footage from officers’ body cams was used for the Netflix documentary, which premiered in October 2025 and unpacks the events leading up to Owens’ death and the subsequent murder case that received national attention. (There is no footage of Owens’ death in the documentary.) “This shocking crime left my family and me engulfed in grief and confusion,” director Geeta Gandbhir said in an October 2025 interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “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.” Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of the case of Owens’ death: What Was Ajike Owens and Susan Lorincz’s History? Owens and Lorincz had multiple incidents involving one another. Their riff stemmed from Owens’ four children playing in the lot next to Lorincz’s Ocala, Florida home. Lorincz called the police on Owens’ children multiple times over the years, dating back to 2021. Lorincz reportedly called Owens and her family racial slurs, per an October 2025 Time report. The final incident between Lorincz and Owens occurred in June 2023. One of Owens’ sons went to retrieve his tablet that he left in the yard they played in. Lorincz allegedly tossed the child’s device to the ground, threw a pair of roller skates at the kid’s foot and swung an umbrella at another child. One of Owens’ kids recalled the incident to their mother, which led to her going to Lorincz’s door to address the issue. How Did Ajike Owens Die? Owens knocked on Lorincz’s door several times, asking to speak to her neighbor. Lorincz called 911, claiming that she felt threatened and shot Owens in the chest with the door closed. Owens’ son was by her side during the incident and called 911. Owens was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Was Susan Lorincz Arrested? Days after the fatal incident, Lorincz was arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault. What Was Susan Lorincz’s Defense? After police arrived at the scene, Lorincz told law enforcement she thought Owens “was going to kill” her, per Time. Florida has a “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows deadly force if there is a presumption of fear. The same law played a factor in George Zimmerman‘s defense and ultimate acquittal when he fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012. Despite Lorincz’s claims that she felt threatened by Owens, investigators did not find any evidence that Owens tried to get into Lorincz’s home or was an imminent threat. Was Susan Lorincz Convicted? While Lorincz pleaded not guilty, a jury found Lorincz guilty of manslaughter in August 2024. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Is Susan Lorincz in Jail? Following her sentencing, Lorincz was transported to the Homestead Correctional Institution in South Florida. She is scheduled for release on April 8, 2048, per the Florida Department of Corrections.
