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A mother of four fatally shot through her neighbor's door during an intense verbal altercation, but will her actions be seen as self-defense.

Susan Lawrence faces manslaughter and assault charges in the shooting death of her neighbor A.J. Owens.

Police say Owens was shot through Lawrence's front door as she repeatedly knocked on it

in June of 2023.

Earlier in the day, Lawrence was accused of throwing skates at Owens as

children while they were playing outside. I'm Vinny Politan and welcome to the

Court TV podcast. This week we have opening statements in the knocking neighbor shooting trial.

Here both sides lay out their cases for the men and women tasked with determining whether or not this shooting was justified.

This is the court TV podcast with Vinny Polytan. Mr Smith, are you ready to proceed?

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

Let me know when you're ready. Yes, sir. Let me know when you're ready. Yes, Your Honor. We are ready. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

My name is Adam Smith.

I'm assistant state attorney.

In behalf of the state attorney's Office. It's a privilege and

honor to be with you here today. I thank you for your time and I thank you for your

attention to this case. This case is about how the defendant

Susan Lawrence shot a bullet through her own locked front door and killed her unarmed

and killed her unarmed neighbor,

his dog heels.

...