In the quiet hours of a spring night in Richmond, Virginia, the life of 22-year-old Russell J. Long was tragically cut short. On May 11, 2018, Long was found suffering from a gunshot wound on the city's Northside. The young man, who was known to be a resident of Richmond, was rushed to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal.
The initial investigation into Long's death quickly transitioned from a death investigation to a homicide case.
The Richmond Police Department worked to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Their efforts led to the identification of two suspects in connection with the crime. Within days of the incident, authorities announced the arrests of Dorell D. Taylor, who was 23 at the time, and Ar-Treyvious D. Williams, then 19. Both men were also residents of Richmond.
Following their arrests, Taylor and Williams were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Further investigation led to more severe charges, with both men ultimately facing accusations of first-degree murder in the death of Russell J. Long. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately made public as the case proceeded through the legal system.
The journey to justice for Russell J. Long saw both Dorell D. Taylor and Ar-Treyvious D. Williams face the consequences of their actions. In the ensuing legal proceedings, Taylor was convicted of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He received a significant sentence for his role in the crime. Ar-Treyvious D. Williams also faced a trial, where he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced by a jury for his involvement in the shooting that ended a young man's life.
