Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor is a must-see for all true crime aficionados, but what’s the real story behind the chilling case that forms the basis of the streaming giant’s latest documentary?
The new feature film will be available on Netflix in just over a week, so subscribers won’t have to wait long to delve into another spine-chilling murder case.
The entire narrative is presented through bodycam footage, providing viewers with an intensely intimate glimpse into the shocking details of a murder that took place merely two years ago.
But what do we know about the actual case before the new film, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, lifts the veil?
Let’s delve deeper into some of the distressing events that will be examined in Netflix’s newest true crime sensation, reports the Mirror.
What is The Perfect Neighbor based on?
The Perfect Neighbor is centred around the murder of Ajike ‘AJ’ Shantrell Owens, which occurred in Ocala, Florida on 2nd June, 2023.
Owens was shot and killed by her 58 year old neighbour Susan Lorincz, who was subsequently found guilty of manslaughter.
The documentary will probe into their contentious history of disputes, which resulted in at least half a dozen calls for deputies to intervene since January 2021.
Another resident from the neighbourhood who lived opposite Lorincz alleged that she was irate that Owens’ children would play outside her house, while a detective stated that she confessed to hurling racial slurs at them following her arrest.
The shooting unfolded following another dispute involving Owens and her children, during which Lorincz reportedly hurled a roller-skate at one of them and brandished an umbrella at another.
Upon hearing about the incident from her children, Owens decided to confront Lorincz, accompanied by her 10 year old son, and knocked on Lorincz’s door. Lorincz responded by shooting her through the door.
Lorincz claimed she acted in self-defence, having already dialled 911 and alleged that Owens was attempting to “break down her door”.
After shooting Owens, Lorincz rang 911 for a second time. Deputies discovered Owens lying on the grass with a gunshot wound.
She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Five days later, on 7th June 2023, Lorincz was arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery and two counts of assault.
The case ignited debates across the USA regarding the stand-your-ground law, which legitimises the use of deadly force when someone believes they are under genuine threat from a violent crime.
During a press conference, Sheriff Billy Woods stated: “This situation is a prime example of when it was not justified. It was simply a killing.”
On 16th August 2024, Lorincz was found guilty of manslaughter and in November of the same year, she was sentenced to 25 years in prison. She is currently serving her sentence at Homestead Correctional Institution in Homestead, Florida.
The Perfect Neighbor will be released on Friday, 17th October on Netflix.