Family Transforms Gun Violence Tragedy into Hopeful Mission for Prevention and Support
After a tragic incident involving gun violence, the family of Ajike “AJ” Owens is transforming their grief into a mission for prevention and support. This initiative follows the sentencing of Susan Lorincz, who shot Owens through her apartment door. The incident arose from a dispute regarding children playing outdoors.
The Tragic Event
On June 2, 2023, Ajike Owens was killed when she confronted her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, about her children’s outdoor play. Lorincz, feeling threatened, fired a gun through her door, resulting in Owens’ death. A jury convicted Lorincz of manslaughter, and she was sentenced in 2024 to 25 years in prison.
Following the sentencing, Pamela Dias, Owens’ mother, expressed her intent to begin healing as a family. “Now, we truly can forge ahead on the journey of true healing,” she remarked. Despite their loss, the family is committed to honoring AJ’s legacy through advocacy and community care.
Building a Mission for Change
In response to their tragedy, Pamela Dias co-founded the Standing in the Gap Fund. This non-profit focuses on supporting families affected by gun violence and promoting racial justice. “What began as a response to unimaginable tragedy has grown into a movement for justice, healing, and collective care,” said co-founder Takema Robinson.
Goals of the Fund
- Provide rapid-response grants to families affected by gun violence.
- Advocate for changes in legislation related to gun laws, particularly “Stand Your Ground” laws.
- Invest in arts and storytelling as tools for justice and healing.
The fund, hosted by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, aims to start granting support to families and political organizers by 2027. “The Fund was born out of that need – to transform grief into action,” Dias stated.
Addressing Gun Violence in America
The issue of gun violence remains a critical concern in the U.S., with over 11,000 people killed by firearms in 2023 alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Owens’ story reflects broader societal issues, paralleling other tragic cases of individuals, particularly within the Black community, who have lost their lives over trivial misunderstandings.
“Each new tragedy is a painful reminder of what we have endured,” said Dias. The impact of gun violence spans across families, leaving children and communities in distress.
Legacy of Hope and Healing
Availing hope from heartbreak, Pamela Dias is dedicated to ensuring that Ajike’s name symbolizes change. “When we stand together, we heal together,” she asserted. Her daughter’s vibrant spirit serves as a motivation for change and communal strength.
Despite the difficulties faced since Owens’ passing, Dias sees the values her daughter instilled in her children manifesting as resilience. “They carry a piece of her wherever they go,” she noted. For the family, the mission to combat gun violence and foster community healing remains paramount.
