State Attorney Monique Worrell’s statement on the shooting death of Ajike Owens
NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, FL (June 12, 2023) — We were saddened and heartbroken to have heard about the shooting death of Ajike Owens. Today our prayers are with her family, especially her children, as she is laid to rest.
This is a prime example of what happens when the law empowers citizens to take matters into their own hands. Now, a young woman is dead, and four children will grow up without a mother. The shooting, compounded by the hesitation of law enforcement to make an arrest, illustrates the public danger of the Stand Your Ground Law and how it makes communities less safe. This is why the Stand Your Ground law failed to receive the support of law enforcement and prosecutors alike from its inception.
While our thoughts and prayers remain with Ms. Owens’s family, it is important to remember that meaningful action to prevent such tragedies is also necessary. Disputes between neighbors should never end in gun violence.
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The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is represented by The Honorable Monique H. Worrell and serves Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida. A culturally diverse community, the area is home to over 1.9 million residents and is a vacation destination for millions each year. Our office is committed to making Orlando and the surrounding area a vibrant and safe place to live, work and play.
For general media inquiries, please contact: PIO@sao9.org.
For media records request, please contact: mediarecordsrequest@sao9.org.
For specific media inquiries pertaining to State Attorney Monique Worrell, please contact Keisha Mulfort at kmulfort@sao9.org.
