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Susan Lorincz wore a green protective vest instead of the traditional orange and white striped inmate jumpsuit to make her first appearance.
She spoke from the Marion County jail with Judge Lori Cotton via video conferencing about the charges she faces for the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike “AJ” Owens. Those are manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, two counts of assault, and battery.
After reading the charges, Cotton asked Lorincz a series of questions to determine whether she was eligible for a public defender. Assistant Public Defender Amanda Sizemore was already at Lorincz’s side for the hearing.
In response to Cotton’s question about having a job, Lorincz said she did not currently have one, but was working up until two weeks ago. She told Cotton she did not have any savings.
“How do you support yourself, ma’am?” Cotton asked.
“I was working, and I’ve filed for disability,” Lorincz said.
She added that she does not own a home, helps her younger sister financially, and is making payments on her car. When Cotton asked her if she planned to get another job, Lorincz teared up as she responded “eventually,” knowing her freedom is in question.
“I do find you qualify for the services of a public defender. I’m entering an order appointing them to represent you,” Cotton said. “Ms. Sizemore, I assume that’s going to be you?”
“Yes,” Sizemore said.
Cotton granted prosecutors more time for a pre-trial detention hearing. They indicated their preference is Lorincz be held without bond. If it is granted, their hope is it be a significant amount given the nature of the crime. That hearing must happen within five days.
Cotton scheduled Lorincz next hearing date for July 11 at 9 a.m.
