In a quiet community in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, the life of David Long was brought to a tragic and violent end in July 2018. The man responsible for his death was his own son, Zachary Long, who shot his father four times. The motive behind the patricide was linked to Zachary's history of drug abuse and mental illness, factors that tragically culminated in the murder of his father.
On the day of the shooting, a friend was present with the father and son and witnessed the horrific
event unfold. After Zachary shot his father twice, the friend attempted to render aid and perform CPR. It was during this attempt to save David Long's life that Zachary fired two more shots, sealing his father's fate. The shocking act of violence sent ripples through the family and the local community.
The judicial process that followed saw Zachary Long plead guilty to murder and firearms charges in April 2019. During the sentencing, family members testified about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health. Despite his expression of remorse in court, Zachary offered no clear explanation for why he killed his father. The judge, noting the unprovoked nature of the crime, sentenced Zachary Long to forty years in prison. In addition to his prison term, he will also face five years of probation upon his release.
