A new Netflix documentary titled “The Perfect Neighbor” is set to shed light on the controversial “stand your ground” laws through the tragic story of a deadly shooting in Ocala, Florida.
The film focuses on the case of Ajike “A.J.” Owens, who was fatally shot by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in June 2023. Lorincz was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
“The Perfect Neighbor,” directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary category.
The documentary also screened at SXSW, CPH:DOX, and the Miami Film Festival. It uses police bodycam footage and interviews to explore the impact of stand your ground laws on communities.
Gandbhir described the documentary as a deeply personal project aimed at transforming grief into purpose and honoring the legacy of Ajike Owens and her family.
The film will be available on Netflix, offering a global audience the chance to experience this powerful story.
Susan Lorincz was convicted in August 2024 for the shooting death of Owens, who was 35 years old at the time. Lorincz fired a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun. During sentencing, Lorincz expressed regret, stating she never intended to kill anyone.
However, Owens’ family felt her apology was insincere and sought the maximum sentence.
The incident occurred on June 2, 2023, when Lorincz called 911, complaining about children playing in a nearby field. Witnesses reported that Lorincz had thrown roller skates at the children and swung an umbrella toward them.
Lorincz claimed the children had threatened her, prompting her to fear for her life.
Owens confronted Lorincz at her apartment after learning about the incident from her son. Witnesses described Owens as banging on the door and yelling angrily.
Lorincz, claiming she feared for her life, shot Owens through the door without knowing if anyone else was present or if Owens was armed. One of Owens’ sons witnessed the shooting.
The case initially raised questions about whether the shooting was justified under Florida’s stand your ground law. This law allows individuals to use force if they believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. Authorities initially did not make an arrest while investigating whether the shooting was protected by this law.
Stand your ground laws, first adopted by Florida in 2005, permit individuals to defend themselves with deadly force if they feel threatened with death or great bodily harm. Similar laws exist in Missouri, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Legal experts note that such laws can be complex, particularly in cases where someone shoots through their front door, as it may be permissible if the person inside feels an imminent threat of a forcible felony.
Owens’ family had sought a second-degree murder charge and the maximum sentence for Lorincz. They expressed that the children would carry lifelong scars from the trauma.
The documentary aims to explore these legal complexities and their impact on communities. Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for “The Perfect Neighbor.”
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