Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor: What is the Stand Your Ground law?

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Netflix recently released a new documentary called *The Perfect Neighbor* which focuses on the controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. The film details the 2023 shooting of Ajike Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz. Director Geeta Gandbhir, a close friend of Owens’s sister-in-law, described the project as a very personal one.

In Florida, a dispute between neighbors escalated when Michael Lorincz, a white man, fatally shot Corey Owens, who was Black. Lorincz had previously called the police several times regarding children playing near his home, and this ongoing conflict led to the shooting.

The documentary examines the case using police bodycam footage, showing how Lorincz became increasingly hostile towards her neighbors, ultimately leading to her shooting Owens through her front door. However, the delayed arrest sparked significant community outrage, especially because police initially focused on whether her actions could be justified under Stand Your Ground laws.

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What is the Stand Your Ground law?

Stand Your Ground laws, currently active in many US states, give people the right to use deadly force in self-defense when they reasonably believe their life is in immediate danger (according to the National Conference of State Legislatures).

Florida law allows people to use deadly force if they reasonably believe their life is in danger, even if they’re not at home. Importantly, the law doesn’t require people to try to escape a dangerous situation before defending themselves with force, including deadly force.

At the end of the documentary *The Perfect Neighbor*, text appears stating that “Stand Your Ground” laws are associated with an 8-11% rise in homicide rates, equaling approximately 700 deaths annually. Studies also reveal significant racial bias, showing white individuals are far more likely to have successful self-defense claims, especially in cases where the person killed is Black.

These laws gained attention after Trayvon Martin was fatally shot in 2012. George Zimmerman, the shooter, was found not guilty, arguing he acted in self-defense.

Sheriff Billy Woods of Marion County stated after Lorincz was arrested that the shooting was unnecessary and amounted to a straightforward killing.

Producer Alisa Payne hopes the film *The Perfect Neighbor* will contribute to efforts against “Stand Your Ground” laws. She told *Tudum* that she believes the film, inspired by the life of the subject, can help challenge these and other damaging policies.

Gandbhir agreed, stating he hopes to raise awareness about the impact of these laws and push for reforms to help prevent future tragedies.

What happened to Susan Lorincz?

Lorincz was arrested on June 7, 2023, five days after the shooting. He was charged with several crimes, including manslaughter with a firearm, negligence, battery, and two counts of assault.

The case drew national attention as a key test of ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws. Ultimately, on August 16, 2024, an all-white jury of six people found her guilty of manslaughter, and she was sentenced to 25 years in prison on November 25, 2024.

Lorincz is currently incarcerated at the Homestead Correctional Institution in Florida.

It just breaks my heart hearing Susan’s mom, Pamela Dias, speak. She told CNN that she’s not just grieving the loss of her daughter, but everything they had planned together. All those hopes, dreams, and promises they shared as mother and daughter… she said they’re all gone now, like they died with Susan that night. It’s just so incredibly sad.

The Perfect Neighbor is available to watch now on Netflix.

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2025-10-17 22:49