A forthcoming Netflix documentary will delve into the unsettling true crime story that shook a small community when a disagreement took a deadly turn. Scheduled to air in October, “The Perfect Neighbor” will recount the haunting narrative of the turbulent relationship between Ajike “AJ” Shantrell Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, and her 58-year-old neighbor Susan Lorincz.
The tragic incident occurred in 2023 when Owens was fatally shot through a locked door after enduring years of conflicts with Lorincz. The documentary will showcase how a series of confrontations and escalating harassment culminated in the fatal shooting, utilizing footage from police body cameras and recordings of 911 calls. Lorincz had frequently contacted law enforcement to report alleged disturbances caused by Owens’ children, leading to a strained dynamic between the neighbors.
The program will highlight how the repeated interactions with the police painted Owens as a perceived threat in Lorincz’s perspective. The fatal encounter transpired when Lorincz fired at Owens through the door, resulting in the mother’s tragic demise. The altercation stemmed from a dispute earlier in the day over Owens’ children playing outside in Ocala, where Lorincz reportedly directed racial slurs at Owens’ Black children before the fatal shooting on June 2, 2023.
The culmination of ongoing disputes between Lorincz and Owens, which had prompted multiple police interventions since January 2021, led to the tragic incident. The final confrontation was believed to have originated from an earlier altercation where Lorincz had confronted Owens’ children, culminating in violence.
During the trial, Lorincz, who did not testify but expressed fear for her safety, invoked Florida’s “stand your ground” law in her defense. However, the jury ultimately found her guilty of manslaughter in 2024, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence. The documentary premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, receiving the US Documentary Directing Award, and is set to premiere in theaters on October 10 before being available for streaming on Netflix starting October 17.
Lorincz was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm and assault following the jury’s decision.