Crime House Daily: Night Watch – "Shot Through a Closed Door: The Ajike Owens Case"
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Katie Ring

Episode Overview

This episode of Crime House Daily investigates the tragic killing of Ajike (AJ) Owens, a Black mother of four, by her white neighbor Susan Louise Lawrence in Ocala, Florida. The murder, which occurred after years of escalating harassment and conflict, reignited conversations about Florida’s controversial "stand your ground" self-defense law and inspired the popular Netflix documentary "The Perfect Neighbor." Host Katie Ring dissects the case from its roots in neighborhood tensions, through the trial and conviction, all the way to its societal aftermath.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background: A Community Divided

• AJ Owens’ Life:

  • Loving, devoted single mother raising four children (Isaac, Africa, Titus, Israel).
  • Known for her generosity, involvement in her kids' lives, and willingness to support other single parents.
  • "She was the kind of friend and neighbor we all need in our corner." [05:07]

• Susan Lawrence’s History:

  • Moved in around 2020, described as mistrustful and reclusive.
  • History of mental illness, childhood trauma, and churchgoing but socially withdrawn.
  • Her mistrust morphed into active hostility towards Black children playing nearby.

Escalation of Hostility

• Susan’s behavior included:

  • Yelling racial slurs and threats, waving a gun at children, making false police reports.
  • Notable quote: “This is not the Underground Railroad, you slaves.” [06:21]
  • Multiple neighbor corroborations of her aggression, particularly focused on AJ's children.

• AJ and Susan’s conflicts resulted in at least six police calls from January 2021 onwards, with little police recourse due to lack of direct criminal acts at the time.

The Fatal Incident — June 2, 2023

[Segment starts ~11:38]

• Triggering Event:

  • Susan berated, insulted, and threw a roller skate at nine-year-old Israel Owens, injuring him and breaking his iPad.
  • AJ confronted Susan at her door with her son, demanding accountability.

• The Shooting:

  • Susan retrieved a pistol and shot through her locked, closed door, striking AJ in the chest.
  • AJ and Israel fled, with AJ collapsing outside and instructing Israel to “call 911.”
    • Israel ran to a neighbor for help; AJ was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

• Immediate Aftermath:

  • Susan claimed fear for her life, citing stand your ground law.
  • Police initially released Susan pending investigation due to legal requirements.

Legal Battle and the ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law

• Investigation Results:

  • No effort by AJ to force entry; Susan admitted to using racial slurs.
  • Susan’s story of being in “imminent danger” was contradicted by evidence (locked door, no forced entry).

• Charges and Trial:

  • Four days post-shooting, Susan was arrested — manslaughter with a firearm and several other charges.
  • Prosecution asserted: “It had to be ready to happen. It had to be staring her in the face, such as she had to act at that moment to protect her life.” [15:09]
  • Defense: “The law does not say that you have to wait to get punched or attacked before you can do something.” [14:56]

• Jury Deliberations:

  • Focused on Susan’s mindset and the recording of her 911 calls.
  • Quote: “I locked my door.” — Susan, downplaying any immediate threat. [17:02]
  • Verdict: Guilty of manslaughter, sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Aftermath & Societal Impact

• Susan’s Apology and Family Response:

  • Susan to family: “I am so sorry that I took AJ's life. I never intended to kill her… Please accept my humble and sincere apology for this tragedy.” [21:16]
  • Family saw little true remorse; they feel justice was served, but pain persists.

• Debate Over Stand Your Ground Laws:

  • Case reignited national debate—citing similar incidents, e.g., Ralph Yarl shooting in Missouri.
  • AJ’s mother: “It’s an archaic law and I feel many racist people stand behind that law in terms of shooting people of color.” [22:15]

• Civil Suit and Public Advocacy:

  • Owens' family filed a wrongful death suit; Susan threatened to countersue from jail.
  • Pamela Diaz (AJ's mother) now raises AJ’s children and co-founded the Standing in the Gap Fund to support victims’ families and advocate for legislative reform.
    • “AJ's name is now tied to change.” [23:57]

Media & Documentary Coverage

• "The Perfect Neighbor" (Netflix documentary):
  • Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, who had a personal connection to the victim.
  • Constructed mainly from police and security body cam footage to emphasize authenticity.
  • Festival accolades and strong public reception.
  • Quote (Geeta Gandbhir): “I felt the public would never doubt the footage's authenticity. … We wanted to take this footage and flip it on its head.” [22:58]

Lingering Effects on the Family

• Children Isaac and Israel struggle with guilt and grief over the events.
• The family leans on one another: The pain remains acute, but efforts to heal and find meaning continue.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “She was the kind of friend and neighbor we all need in our corner.” — Host on AJ Owens [05:07]
• “This is not the Underground Railroad, you slaves.” — Susan Lawrence [06:21]
• “I locked my door.” — Susan Lawrence in 911 call, highlighting absence of immediate threat [17:02]
• “The law does not say that you have to wait to get punched or attacked before you can do something.” — Susan’s Defense Attorney [14:56]
• “It had to be ready to happen. … If Ms. Owens would somehow have managed to bust through this locked, deadbolted metal door … the defendant may have had a right to shoot. But that’s not the situation we have here.” — Prosecution [15:09]
• “I am so sorry that I took AJ’s life. I never intended to kill her. … Please accept my humble and sincere apology for this tragedy.” — Susan Lawrence at sentencing [21:16]
• “It’s an archaic law and I feel many racist people stand behind that law in terms of shooting people of color.” — Pamela Diaz, AJ’s mother [22:15]
• “I felt the public would never doubt the footage’s authenticity. … We wanted to take this footage and flip it on its head.” — Geeta Gandbhir, director [22:58]
• “AJ’s name is now tied to change.” — Pamela Diaz [23:57]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [05:07] — Profile of AJ Owens and her community impact
• [06:21] — Examples of Susan’s racism and hostility
• [11:38] — The events leading up to and including the fatal shooting
• [14:56–15:12] — Trial arguments over “stand your ground” law
• [17:02] — Key moment in Susan’s 911 call, indicating lack of threat
• [21:16–23:57] — Aftermath: Apologies, legal actions, documentary, and family’s advocacy

Episode Takeaways

Crime House Daily presents the AJ Owens case as a microcosm of ongoing national struggles with gun violence, racism, self-defense laws, and the ability of justice to rectify systemic harm. The episode powerfully combines narrative storytelling, direct quotes, and legal details, serving as both a case study and a call to remember the human cost behind the headlines.