Intrigue surrounds Susan Lorincz’s true profession as explored in Netflix’s documentary The Perfect Neighbor.
Lorincz, currently serving a 25-year sentence for fatally shooting her neighbor Ajike “AJ” Owens in Ocala, Florida in 2023, is at the heart of the documentary released on October 10, 2025. The film focuses on her frequent complaints to the police about Owens’ children during the years leading to the tragic event.
Through extensive police body camera footage, viewers witness Lorincz hinting at her occupation. She mentions working from home and introduces herself as Dr. Susan Lorincz. However, she does not explain her credentials or field of expertise.
Examining Lorincz’s Claims of Being a Doctor
Despite claiming to be a doctor, no evidence supports that Lorincz holds an advanced degree or ever practiced medicine. People familiar with her suggested she has pursued various occupations.
Testifying in court, Pastor Shannon Lynn Harris of Anthony United Methodist Church revealed that Lorincz often assisted church members with insurance concerns, implying her involvement in the insurance industry. Reports during her trial indicate she may have also spoken of this career path.
Lorincz’s versatile employment history doesn’t end there. Her friend, Crystal Maksou, mentioned that Lorincz was “always working places” and had recently undertaken some licensing work, consistent with her documentary portrayal of a home-based job.
Diverse Job Roles in Lorincz’s Past
During the trial, forensic psychologist Dr. Yenys Castillo described Lorincz’s career as an EMT in her 20s, a role underscored by her sister, Ellyn Dorothy Lorincz. This job involved working near an airport, where treating plane crash victims led to personal trauma.
Castillo added that Susan had transitioned at one point to working as a chef at a rehabilitation center.
Trial and Sentencing Outcome
A jury convicted Susan Lorincz of felony manslaughter with a firearm, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence at Homestead Correctional Institution in South Florida.
“I find that the shooting was completely unnecessary,” Judge Robert Hodges remarked at her sentencing, as reported by ABC News. “In this case, Ms. Lorincz was behind the door. The door was locked. She had already called law enforcement. They were en route. She knew they were en route. She was in a relatively safe position. For some reason, she went into her room and found a gun.”
Judge Robert Hodges
He further noted, “She could have stayed in the room and put another locked door between her and Ms. Owens, but she came back out, put herself in front of the door, and at the time she fired the gun through the door, she was safe.”
Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.
