Annie Elise

Their dad was involved in their life, and AJ's mom was also very present in their lives, so they did have people in their corner, don't get me wrong, but sometimes you just need the anchor of your mom.

Now, when we see victims in these cases, we of course think about them and we think about their lives being taken, but sometimes we forget about their families, which I cannot imagine going through a loss this great and grieving it and also trying to fight for justice as it's all happening.

Thankfully, the investigators were building their case against Susan.

And finally, on June 7th, 2023, Susan was arrested.

She was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, culpable negligence, battery, and two counts of assault.

Her trial took place the following year in August of 2024.

During the trial, Susan's attorneys did everything in their power to try and convince the jury that Susan felt like she was in actual danger, that her actions were absolutely justified under the Stand Your Ground law.

Adjika Owens was trespassing on Susan Lawrence's property, and Susan Lawrence was in her home where she had a right to be, and she had no duty to retreat.

She had a right to stand her ground and defend herself because she was reasonably afraid.

But the prosecution brought up a lot of really great points in all of this, starting with AJ's sons who testified as witnesses.

They described Susan harassing them and throwing things at them.

And another witness testified that they only saw AJ knock or pound on the door, whatever word you want to use.

Two times.

It wasn't like this incessant pounding, like, get out here, get out here, over and over.

She knocked twice.

The prosecution also brought up the fact that Susan herself admitted that the door was shut, locked, and deadbolted.

AJ wasn't in her house.

She wasn't trying to break into her house.

She wasn't trying to get in there.

Not to mention, Susan had already called the police.