A controversial case out of Florida has taken a shocking turn as Susan Lorence, a woman convicted of manslaughter for killing her neighbor, seeks to countersue the deceased womanâs children for defamation. This case has drawn national attention, particularly following its feature in Netflix’s documentary âPerfect Neighbor,â which chronicles the tragic events surrounding the fatal shooting.
On June 2, 2023, Lorence, then 58, shot and killed Aika AJ Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, through her apartment door during a heated dispute over alleged disturbances caused by children playing nearby. Lorence claimed she acted in self-defense, stating that Owens threatened her while banging on her door. However, a jury found her guilty of manslaughter, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence.
In the wake of Owens’ death, her mother, Pamela Das, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lorence and her landlord, Charles Gabbard. The suit alleges that Gabbard had a duty to manage the property responsibly and was aware of Lorenceâs history of complaints about the children, which created a dangerous environment. The lawsuit seeks damages for the emotional suffering of Owens’ children, funeral costs, and loss of future earnings.
From behind bars, Lorence has submitted a handwritten response to the lawsuit, maintaining her innocence and alleging that Owens and her children were trespassing on her property. In her letter, Lorence claims that there were multiple no trespassing signs and that Owens had threatened her prior to the shooting. Lorence is also seeking to countersue the children for defamation, claiming that their statements about the incident have harmed her reputation.
Anthony Thomas, the attorney representing Owens’ estate, expressed his thoughts on Lorenceâs handwritten response, noting that it provides insights into her mindset but does not detract from the strength of their civil case. He emphasized the familyâs pursuit of justice, not only in criminal terms but also through civil litigation to hold Lorence accountable for her actions.
As the case progresses into the discovery phase, both sides are preparing for potential depositions, including Lorence and Gabbard. Thomas remarked on the ongoing emotional toll on Owensâ children, who are coping with the loss of their mother amidst the public scrutiny surrounding the case.
The dramatic developments in this case raise significant questions about accountability and the impact of neighborhood disputes escalating to lethal violence. As Lorence seeks to clear her name while facing serious legal repercussions, the Owens family is left grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that has forever altered their lives. This case not only highlights the complexities of self-defense claims but also the profound ramifications of violence in seemingly ordinary neighborhoods.
