The family of Ajike “AJ” Owens is marking one year since her murder

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – Today marks one year since Ajike “AJ” Owens was killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, who shot Owens through her front door last June.

Family, friends and loved ones gathered at Immerse Church in Ocala to commemorate Owens’ life.

RELATED: Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens’ Mom Talks About Daughter’s Shooting On The View

“Because the realization, the memory of it is very painful, as you can imagine.” Pamela Dias, said Owens’ mother. “You feel this emptiness, this emptiness that nothing can fill, and then you couple it with the fact that you have four children who have lost their mother.”

Owens’ children read poems, performed spiritual dances and paid tribute to their mother. Loved ones also released a series of white and purple balloons into the sky in Owens’ memory.

Last summer, Owens’ family gathered on a “national day of righteous outrage” to protest Lorincz’s charges, which include manslaughter and assault.

“My hope is that Susan will be prosecuted,” Dias added, “and at some point show some remorse for taking an innocent life.”

Lorincz is in the Marion County Jail and will appear in court during a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

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