‘Justice for AJ’: Funeral held for mother of 4 shot, killed in Marion County
A family said their final goodbyes Monday to a mother of four who was shot and killed in Marion County.
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Ajike “AJ” Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, said she is now a part of the club of Black mothers who feel their children’s lives were taken due to racism.
“I vow to keep your four beautiful children together as you so desired,” Dias said.
Owens’ attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton both also spoke at her funeral.
“We’re going to stand our ground for humanity, for AJ. Stand our ground for justice for AJ,” Crump said.
Channel 9 has been following the case of Owens’ death since it happened earlier this month.
Last week, the community gathered for a vigil and balloon release in her memory.
Deputies said Owens was shot through the door of her neighbor’s home after she went to try and talk to her about an incident involving her kids.
Owens’ mother released a statement Sunday thanking people for the outpouring of love her family has received, and asked for justice, saying “we can’t fail her.”
Meantime, the neighbor accused of shooting Owens is still in jail Monday.
A Marion County judge set Susan Lorincz’s bond at $154,000 on Friday.
Read: Judge grants bond for woman accused of killing neighbor while shooting through door
Investigators said the 58-year-old had tried to use Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law to claim self-defense, but the sheriff said her actions were not justifiable.
Owens’ family wants her manslaughter charge upgraded to murder.
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