Robert Aaron Long and the 2021 Atlanta-Area Spa Shootings
Overview
On March 16, 2021, Robert Aaron Long carried out a series of shootings at three massage businesses in Cherokee County and Atlanta, Georgia. Eight people were killed and one person was seriously wounded. Seven of those killed were women, and six were women of Asian descent. Long, who was 21 years old at the time, was arrested later that evening while driving south on Interstate 75.
The attacks began at Young's Asian Massage near Acworth, an unincorporated area of Cherokee County northwest of Atlanta. Long then drove approximately 30 miles south to Atlanta, where he attacked Gold Spa and Aromatherapy Spa on Piedmont Road. The three shootings occurred within approximately one hour and caused widespread fear throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Preparations for the Attacks
Earlier on March 16, 2021, Long legally purchased a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and ammunition from a firearms dealer in Holly Springs, Georgia. Prosecutors later said that he bought a bottle of alcohol and drove to Young's Asian Massage. Surveillance evidence showed him arriving at the business and remaining in the area before the shooting began.
Long later admitted that he had loaded the handgun while sitting in his vehicle. He entered Young's Asian Massage during the afternoon and remained inside for an extended period. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., he opened fire on employees and customers inside the building.
The Shooting at Young's Asian Massage
At approximately 4:50 p.m. on March 16, emergency dispatchers began receiving reports of gunfire at Young's Asian Massage, located on Highway 92 near Acworth. Cherokee County deputies arrived within minutes and found several people suffering from gunshot wounds.
Four people were killed in the attack. Two died inside the business, one died while being transported to a hospital, and another later died during medical treatment. A fifth victim, Elcias Hernandez-Ortiz, survived after being seriously wounded.
After leaving Young's Asian Massage, Long drove south toward Atlanta. Investigators later connected his vehicle to the crime through surveillance recordings and information supplied by his family.
...
MEMBER ACCESS
Continue reading the complete case summary
Unlock the full case narrative, source links, videos, victim information, and member discussions.
Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/monthCancel anytime. Already a member?
Log in
