Shivangi Sinha
Senseless gun violence continues to devastate families and communities, leaving behind pain that can never truly heal. The killing of Ajike Owens in June 2023 stands as a reminder of this, as she was a mother of four whose children were forced to endure an unthinkable loss. In the aftermath, her mother, Pamela Dias, has emerged as a powerful advocate for justice and reform and is determined to ensure her daughter’s story makes a difference. With the family’s blessing, Netflix’s ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ recounts the heartbreaking events through bodycam footage, honoring Ajike’s memory while highlighting the urgent need for change.
Ajike Owens’ Children Were Immediately Informed of Their Mother’s Passing
For Pamela Dias, raising Ajike Shantrell “AJ” Owens as a single mother was both a challenge and a blessing. She had the support of a close-knit circle that all helped shape Ajike into the strong, compassionate woman she became. Pamela often spoke with pride about how her daughter built a beautiful life of her own, working hard in the hospitality industry and raising four wonderful children, Isaac Williams, Israel Owens, Afrika Williams, and Titus Owens. Together, they made a warm home in the Quail Run neighborhood of Ocala, Florida. But that sense of peace was disrupted by a neighbor, Susan Lorincz, who had long complained about the children playing outside and often shouted at them.
On the evening of June 2, 2023, when Susan threw a pair of roller skates that struck one of the children, Isaac said he would call his mother, and he did. Ajike arrived moments later, knocking on Susan’s door to confront her. In a senseless act, the latter fired a single shot through the closed door, striking Ajike in the chest. Isaac was beside her when she fell. The kids’ father was called to be with them at the time, and he was the one who informed them that Ajike had passed away. They could not hold it together, and Isaac even felt that he had not properly given his mother CPR and helped her. It was a tough period, but Pamela, with the support of friends, turned it into a platform to help others.
Pamela Dias is Running a Non-Profit Organization in Her Daughter’s Memory Today
Soon after her daughter’s passing, Pamela Dias started a GoFundMe page to support her four grandchildren and took them under her care. She became their steady foundation, their family, and their guiding light through unimaginable loss. On June 12, 2023, the family held a memorial service for Ajike Owens at Meadowbrook Church in Ocala, Florida, where they honored her memory and demanded justice. Pamela took a leading role in calling for the arrest of Susan Lorincz, speaking out publicly about the flaws in stand-your-ground laws and questioning how they were being misused. Throughout the legal proceedings, Pamela never wavered. She attended every hearing and was present at Lorincz’s sentencing in November 2024, where she spoke about embarking on a journey of healing and accountability.
After the sentencing, Pamela said, “No sentence or verdict can ever bring full peace or accountability for what was taken from our family. Our focus remains on honoring Ajike’s legacy through justice, healing, and community care.” And she has done exactly that. In the months that followed, Pamela co-founded the nonprofit Standing in the Gap Fund, whose mission is rooted in “care for families today and reform for tomorrow.” The organization advocates against stand-your-ground laws, pushing for accountability, empathy, and meaningful reform.
Beyond activism, Pamela has found ways to honor Ajike’s memory through creativity and community, investing in art and storytelling as tools for healing and justice. She has spoken about how she has tied her daughter’s memory to a broader movement for change, using loss as a source of strength to rebuild and reimagine a safer world for her grandchildren and others. In a powerful act of remembrance, she also collaborated with BulletProof Accessories, creating pieces for her grandchildren that turn bullets into wearable symbols of resilience. For Pamela and her family, the journey toward healing continues. They believe in their shared love and an unyielding belief in the power of compassion to transform pain into purpose.
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Ajike Owens’ Kids are Adjusting to a New Life, Holding Her Memories in Their Heartss
Ajike Owens’ children, Isaac, Israel, Afrika, and Titus, have largely stayed out of the public eye since their mother’s death. They were present at her memorial service and have reportedly been receiving counseling and therapy to help them cope with the trauma of witnessing such a devastating loss. With the support of their father and grandmother, Pamela Dias continues to heal and rebuild their life. Pamela has shared that one of the children once asked her if they “should have done more,” which is a heartbreaking reflection of their pain. Even the judge reminded them that they were blameless and acknowledged their unimaginable grief.
