'Enough is enough': Ocala church rally calls for justice for AJ Owens

The messages from an array of speakers at the Kingdom Revival Church on Saturday, during the National Day of Righteous Outrage for Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens, were clear: Justice for AJ. We're not going away. Keep fighting. Stay on the State Attorney's Office so it can get a conviction against Owens' killer.

Owens, a 35-year-old mom, went to the residence of her neighbor, Susan Louise Lorincz, on June 2 because the woman had yelled at her children, used racial slurs, and thrown skates at them. Owens, who was Black, was shot by Lorincz, a white woman, through the closed front door.

The controversial shooting death has ignited protests, marches and heated debates, both locally and nationally.

Lorincz said the shooting was self-defense. But she was arrested on June 6 and prosecutors have charged her with manslaughter with a firearm and one count of assault. Lorincz is being held at the county jail, where bail is set at $154,000. If convicted, she could face 30 years in prison.

Benjamin Crump speaks

Noted civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, who is one of two lawyers representing the Owens family, told the roughly 200 people at Saturday's rally that prosecutors need to do more. He said there's more than enough proof to show Lorincz knew what she was doing the night of the fatal shooting.

Crump noted that Lorincz has admitted using racial language toward the children, had researched the stand your ground law before the shooting, and had told the children to go get their mother that night.

To Crump, Lorincz's intent was clear. He said if the roles had been reversed, Owens would have been charged with murder, not just manslaughter.

Addressing the audience, Crump said he knows he's "speaking to the choir," but "the choir got to sing louder."

The attorney added that the community should not settle for state charges. He said the federal Department of Justice needs to step in and prosecute the shooting as a hate crime.

Owens' mother speaks

Residents, community leaders and others are upset about the charges and want State Attorney Bill Gladson to go for second-degree murder. Gladson said his charging decision is based on the law.

Some members of the community have voiced their displeasure with Gladson. One woman, Regina A. Pines, was taken into custody for reportedly threatening to shoot Gladson. Her case is ongoing.

Pamela Davis, Owens' mother, said the community needs to continue fighting for her daughter. She urged people to register to vote so they can make a difference.

Anthony D. Thomas, the other lawyer for the Owens family, said he wants to see Lorincz convicted and she deserves the maximum penalty.

Thomas said he wants to see justice for AJ.

Owens' children

Takema Robinson and Tiffany Bess were the moderators of Saturday's three-hour event, which was both spiritual and fiery. Bess fired up the attendees by calling out "when we fight" and having the crowd answer "we win."

War Cry 4 Peace representative Pastor Darrell Tolbert said there's "a spiritual battle," and the people on Saturday had "gathered for injustice."

Press conference: Attorney Benjamin Crump, family of slain Ocala mom urge community to keep fighting

Tolbert invited those touched by gun violence to come to the stage and light one of the dozens of candles on a table. He prayed, asking God to "comfort and guide them." There was a moment of silence for the survivors.

Marcus Arbery, whose son Ahmaud was killed while jogging in a Georgia neighborhood, told the Owens family that he stands with them and feels their pain.

"Enough is enough," he said, calling for unity.

Pastor Chrissy Vickers wondered why the voices of the local political leaders are so quiet. She said they − making reference to the community − should form a link and unite because if they're together, then they are hard to break.

The women in the crowd were called to the stage for a prayer that was led by Charnelle Gibson.

Two of Owens' children, Israel and Afrika, went on stage to pay tribute to their mother. Israel said "my mom is alright," which drew an applause. The children told the crowd that they loved them and thanked them. They also danced.

Contact Austin L. Miller at [email protected] or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala woman shot and killed last month honored at church rally