206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Description
See any errors? Let us know!David Martin Long: A Detailed Account of His Crimes
Early Life and Background
David Martin Long was born on July 15, 1953, in Tom Green County, Texas. His early life was marked by significant challenges, including the death of his mother when he was ten years old. This loss profoundly affected him, leading to behavioral issues. His father, an alcoholic, often neglected the family, resulting in Long and his siblings being placed in various institutions and foster homes. By the age of twelve, Long was in reform school. He began abusing alcohol and drugs at a young age, leading to a troubled adolescence and adulthood.The Lancaster Murders
On September 19, 1986, Long was hitchhiking when he was picked up by 37-year-old Donna Sue Jester in Lancaster, Texas. She offered him shelter in exchange for help with household repairs. Residing in the same home were:- Dalpha Lorene Jester: 64-year-old blind and bedridden adoptive mother of Donna Sue.
- Laura Lee Owens: 20-year-old drifter from Florida who had been staying with the Jesters for about three weeks.
Victims
- Donna Sue Jester: 37 years old; killed on September 27, 1986, in Lancaster, Texas.
- Dalpha Lorene Jester: 64 years old; killed on September 27, 1986, in Lancaster, Texas.
- Laura Lee Owens: 20 years old; killed on September 27, 1986, in Lancaster, Texas.
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (5)
James Carnell Age: (54), Date of Death: 1978-11-28 ...View 4 additional victims
Suspected Victims: Betsy Beleu Age: (24), Date of Death: June 11, 1986 Gail Allison Age: (25), Date of Death: June 11, 1986
Suspected Victims:
Links to Additional Sources (10)
See any mistakes? Let us know!Killer's Details
David Martin
Long
July 15, 1953 Tom Green County, Texas, United States
December 8, 1999 (aged 46) Huntsville Unit, Huntsville, Texas, United States
Executed by lethal injection
Male
White
Murder
Death
5 - 7
1978 - 1986
California, Texas
San Bernardino (CA), Bay City (TX), Lancaster (TX), Iraan (TX) [suspected]
October 24, 1986
07/03/2025









