20/20 Special: Remembering Ajike Owens - A Story of Tragedy, Legacy, and Justice
A special episode of the long-running news series, 20/20, will be airing on ABC on Friday, April 3, at 9 p.m. The episode, titled “Remembering Ajike Owens,” focuses on the tragic story of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a mother of four from Ocala who was fatally shot by her neighbor in 2023. The show delves into the impact of Owens’ death on her family and their ongoing journey through grief. Interviews with Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, and other family members shed light on AJ’s legacy and the quest for justice that has unfolded over the past three years.
The 20/20 episode comes at a time when Owens’ case has garnered significant national attention, particularly following the release of the documentary The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix. The documentary, which was a finalist for several prestigious awards, narrowly missed winning the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 2026 Academy Awards. Owens was tragically killed on June 2, 2023, when she was shot through a closed door by her neighbor, Lorincz, during a confrontation about a dispute involving Owens’ children. Lorincz was later sentenced to 25 years in prison for manslaughter in November 2024.
The legal aftermath of the shooting is still unfolding in the civil courts, with a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Lorincz on behalf of Owens’ children. In response, Lorincz has countersued, alleging that the family was trespassing and threatening her at the time of the incident. Despite the ongoing legal battles, the community has rallied behind the Owens family, raising over $706,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to support Owens’ four children.
As the 20/20 special airs, viewers are encouraged to tune in and reflect on the legacy of Ajike Owens. The episode offers a poignant look at the impact of her tragic death on her loved ones and the ongoing pursuit of justice in her memory. Share your thoughts on Ajike Owens’ story and the quest for justice in the comments or by writing a letter to the editor.