Ajike Owens was a devoted mother of four and a cherished family friend who lived in Ocala, Florida. Tragically, she was shot and killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, during an ongoing dispute over children playing in a nearby field. This shocking crime left my family and me engulfed in grief and confusion. Ajike’s community was tight-knit, rooted in mutual support and trust. It was heartbreaking to witness how such a close environment could unravel so catastrophically. In our sorrow, creating this film felt like the most meaningful way to honor her memory and seek justice for her and her loved ones.

Our quest for answers led us to review two years of police body camera footage and interviews released by the Marion County Police Department. The revelations were both shocking and enlightening; we discovered that the real story lay within this footage. It exposed a systemic failure to recognize the danger posed by Susan Lorincz and raised serious questions about her access to firearms. The footage also immersed us in a community that was vibrant and joyful before the tragedy, now shattered by violence. It illustrated how Susan’s premeditated research into "Stand Your Ground" laws and her access to guns had catastrophic consequences for everyone involved. 

Florida Statutes Chapter 776, enacted in 2019, allows for the use of deadly force if one reasonably believes it necessary to prevent imminent harm, without requiring individuals to retreat. This law, combined with stark data showing racial disparities in justifiable homicide rulings, has far-reaching implications. Lucy McBath, whose son Jordan Davis was murdered in 2017, has emphasized that "Stand Your Ground" laws contribute to over 700 additional gun deaths each year. Research shows that homicides involving white shooters and Black victims are five times more likely to be ruled justifiable than those involving Black shooters and white victims. A study by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that justifiable homicide rulings are issued in 45% of cases with white shooters but only 11% when the shooter is Black.

Through this film, I aim to honor Ajike, her family, and her community. I also seek to spotlight the devastating impact of permissive gun laws and racist "Stand Your Ground" statutes. I also hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the consequences of these laws and advocate for changes that can prevent more senseless tragedies in the future.

— Geeta Gandbhir, Director and Producer