Bobby Joe Long
Bobby Joe Long was an American serial killer and rapist convicted in Florida for a series of abductions, sexual assaults, and murders in the Tampa Bay area in 1984.
Bobby Joe Long was an American serial killer and rapist convicted in Florida for a series of abductions, sexual assaults, and murders in the Tampa Bay area in 1984. He was executed by lethal injection in 2019 after spending more than three decades on death row.
Early life
Bobby Joe Long was born Robert Joseph Long on October 14, 1953, in Kenova, West Virginia. Sources describe him as having had a troubled childhood.
Criminal activity
In 1984, Long carried out a series of abductions, sexual assaults, and murders in the Tampa Bay area. Sources describe at least 10 victims, with some reporting dozens of rapes linked to his "Classified Ad" attacks.
Arrest and convictions
Long was arrested in November 1984 after one victim, Lisa McVey, survived and provided information that helped investigators identify him. He was convicted in Florida and received a death sentence along with multiple life sentences.
Execution
Long spent more than 30 years on death row before being executed by lethal injection on May 23, 2019. He was pronounced dead at Florida State Prison.
Key facts
- Long committed a series of crimes over an eight-month period in 1984 in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
- He was described as the "Classified Ad Rapist".
- He abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least 10 women.
- He was executed by lethal injection on May 23, 2019.
Canadian readers may know this case through international true-crime coverage and discussions of serial offenders and capital punishment in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Bobby Joe Long?
How many people did Bobby Joe Long kill?
Why was Bobby Joe Long called the "Classified Ad Rapist"?
When was Bobby Joe Long executed?
Where did Bobby Joe Long commit his crimes?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Joe_LongSupports: Birth and death dates, overall criminal profile, number of known murders, conviction, and execution.
- Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/bobby-joe-longSupports: Birthplace, early life context, serial rape and murder case, and execution date.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/24/us/bobby-joe-long-execution-floridaSupports: Execution details, Florida death row history, and summary of his crimes.
- WUFT — https://www.wuft.org/state-news/2019-05-24/florida-executes-serial-killer-bobby-joseph-long-after-34-years-on-death-rowSupports: Execution date, prison location, and time on death row.
- Death Penalty Information Center — https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/florida-executes-mentally-ill-vietnam-veteran-diagnosed-with-traumatic-brain-diseaseSupports: Execution context and confirmation of the 2019 Florida execution.