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AJ Owens’ family attorney reacts after Susan Lorincz charged with manslaughter in Marion County

OCALA, Fla. — The family attorney of a Marion County woman, who was shot and killed earlier this month, spoke Tuesday about the charges against the suspect.

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A state attorney said Monday that he could not charge Susan Lorincz with murder.

That is despite the wishes of those close to the victim, Ajike “AJ” Owens.

Lorincz could still face up to 30 years in prison.

Watch: Susan Lorincz charged with manslaughter, not murder, for death of AJ Owens, state attorney says

However, as far as Owens family and attorneys are concerned, AJ was murdered.

Before the charges were announced the Owens family and kids met with the state attorney.

After hearing he decided to charge her with manslaughter, instead of upgrading the charge, they said they were given false hope.

Video: Sheriff says he was ‘glad’ to arrest woman accused of killing AJ Owens, video was the final straw

They believe Lorenz deserves life behind bars, and they aren’t alone.

According to police, Owens’ children were playing in a field when they told their mom that Lorincz had thrown a skate at them, taken one of their items, and shouted racial slurs.

Police said Owens went to Lorincz’s front door where Lorincz shot through her door and killed her.

Watch: ‘Justice for AJ’: Funeral held for mother of 4 shot, killed in Marion County

Lorincz will be charged with manslaughter and assault.

Attorneys representing Owens’ family said they are disappointed because they feel Lorincz past actions, witness statements, and movements up until the shooting showed reason to upgrade the charges.

Rev. Al Sharpton has also slammed Florida officials for not filing murder charges against Lorincz.

State Attorney William Gladson said he considered charging Lorincz with second-degree murder, but that the state could not prove without a reasonable doubt that Lorincz had evil intent towards Owens.

See more in the video above.

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Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.

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