Mother Fatally Shot by Neighbor After Dispute Over Playing Children, Sheriff Says

Sheriff Billy Woods speaks at a news conference, in Ocala, Fla., on June 5, 2023. Courtesy of Marion County Sheriff's Office via AP

OCALA, Fla.—A Florida mother was fatally shot through the front door of her neighbor’s home while her 9-year-old son stood next to her, a violent culmination of what police said was a 2½-year feud.

Ajike Owens, 35, was fatally shot after going to the Ocala apartment of her neighbor, who earlier had yelled at Owens’ children as they played nearby and threw a pair of skates that hit one of them, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said at a news conference Monday.