It has been over two years since the world first heard about the tragedy in Ocala, Florida. Most people remember the headlines from June 2023: a mother shot through a closed door while trying to protect her children. It was a story that sparked national outrage and reignited fierce debates over "Stand Your Ground" laws. But once the news cameras left and the hashtags stopped trending, the real, quiet struggle began for the four children left behind. If you're wondering where are Ajike Owens kids now, the answer is a mix of heartbreaking grief and a surprising amount of resilience.
Basically, they are growing up. They are getting taller, moving through school, and trying to navigate a world that feels much emptier without their "mama bear."
The Current Lives of Isaac, Israel, Afrika, and Titus
Today, all four of Ajike’s children—Isaac, Israel, Afrika, and Titus—are living under the care of their grandmother, Pamela Dias. Pamela isn't just a grandma anymore. She’s their everything. She actually had to give up her career as a flight attendant, a job that let her see the world, just so she could be there for every school play, every nightmare, and every doctor’s appointment.
The kids are currently based in Florida, though the family has worked hard to keep their specific location private for safety and peace. Honestly, you can't blame them. After the media circus of the trial, they just want to be kids.
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Here is a quick look at where they are in their lives as of 2026:
- Isaac Williams: Now a teenager (around 14 or 15), Isaac has shouldered a lot of the emotional weight. He was the one who called 911 and ran to neighbors for help that night. Family members say he’s incredibly strong but has dealt with a lot of "survivor’s guilt" because he couldn't perform CPR on his mom.
- Israel Owens: Often called "Izzy," he’s around 12 now. He was standing right next to his mother when the shot was fired. For a long time, he blamed himself because the confrontation started over an iPad he had left behind in the field.
- Afrika Williams: At about 9 or 10 years old, Afrika has become a bit of a voice for her mother’s legacy. She has even been seen in documentaries and at memorials, reciting poems about how her mom is her hero.
- Titus Owens: The youngest, now around 6. When this happened, he was just a toddler. He spent those first few months crying for his mom, not quite understanding why she wasn't coming back. Now, he knows her mostly through photos and the stories his siblings tell him.
Healing in the Shadow of a 25-Year Sentence
In late 2024, the family finally got a bit of legal closure. Susan Lorincz, the neighbor who fired the fatal shot, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. For the kids, this was a massive turning point. Their grandmother mentioned that for a long time, the boys were terrified she would somehow "get out" or come back.
Knowing she is behind bars at the Homestead Correctional Institution has allowed them to breathe a little easier. But "justice" is a tricky word. Does a prison sentence fix the fact that Titus won't have his mom at his elementary school graduation? Not really.
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The trauma is still very much there. The older boys have been in intensive trauma therapy. It’s not just about the loss; it’s about the way it happened. Witnessing that kind of violence leaves scars that don't just fade because a judge banged a gavel. Pamela Dias has been very open about the fact that they still have "bad days" where the grief feels as fresh as it did in 2023.
Moving Forward with the Standing in the Gap Fund
The family hasn't just been sitting around mourning, though. They’ve actually turned their pain into something remarkably productive. They helped launch the Standing in the Gap Fund.
This isn't just some generic charity. It was built specifically to help other families who are going through the exact same thing—families hit by racial violence or "Stand Your Ground" tragedies who don't know how to pay for a funeral or find a lawyer. It’s a way for the kids to see that their mom’s name still means something.
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There was also the Netflix documentary, The Perfect Neighbor. If you've seen it, you know how raw it is. The kids participated in that because they wanted people to see Ajike as a person, not just a victim in a news clip. They wanted the world to know she was a "team mom" for their football and cheerleading squads.
What the Future Looks Like
So, what is the "next step" for these four?
Right now, the focus is on education and stability. A GoFundMe for the children’s future has raised nearly $500,000, which is being managed to ensure they can go to college and have their basic needs met. Pamela has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lorincz to secure even more financial protection for them.
They are trying to be "normal." They play sports, they go to church, and they dance. In fact, Izzy and Isaac have used dance as an outlet for their pain during church services. It’s their way of celebrating the joy their mother would have wanted for them.
If you want to support the family or follow their journey, you should check out the Standing in the Gap Fund website. It’s the most direct way to see the legislative work they are doing to make sure no other kid has to grow up the way they are—without a mom because of a neighbor’s hate. You can also look for updates through their attorney, Anthony Thomas, who remains a close advocate for the family’s legal interests.