Oklahoma City, OK – Brandon Morrissette, 32, who was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting 20-year-old Robenie “RJ” Long in 2023, will spend the rest of his life in prison. The fatal incident occurred on the Rose State College campus in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where Morrissette confronted Long, whom he believed was having an affair with his wife.
The Incident: Murder on a College Campus
The tragic event unfolded on August 2023 when Brandon Morrissette confronted Robenie Long outside a building on the Rose State College campus. Long, a Marine who had recently graduated high school in 2021, was leaving the building with Morrissette’s wife, a student at the college.
Morrissette had suspected Long of having an affair with his wife, despite her denials. Investigators revealed that Morrissette’s wife told police that Long was simply a classmate and friend, with no romantic involvement. Nevertheless, Morrissette shot Long seven times as he was walking out of the building.
Witnesses reported that Long tried to shield his fellow student from the gunfire before he was struck. The murder was a tragic and senseless act fueled by jealousy and unfounded suspicion.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
Following the murder, Brandon Morrissette was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. In August 2023, a jury found Morrissette guilty of the crime, after deliberating for only a few hours. The court heard evidence that Morrissette shot Long multiple times in broad daylight.
Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna said that the jury recommended a life sentence for Morrissette, after considering the brutal nature of the crime. The prosecutor’s office emphasized the unprovoked attack on Long, who had a bright future ahead of him as a Marine and had planned to marry his girlfriend.
Mykell Long, RJ’s sister, told reporters that during the sentencing hearing, Morrissette showed no remorse.
“From what I saw, just smiles and grins,” Mykell Long said. “He can’t even make eye contact with my mom while she was speaking.”
The victim’s mother, Kelly Long, also spoke at the sentencing, emphasizing that her son had no romantic relationship with Morrissette’s wife.
“All Morrissette’s ex-wife was to RJ was a student who sat beside him in one class, that’s it,” Kelly Long said.
Sentencing and Next Steps
During his sentencing on October 17, 2023, Brandon Morrissette was given a life sentence for the murder of Robenie Long. The court proceedings were marked by tension, as Long’s family expressed their grief over the loss of their son and the lack of remorse shown by Morrissette.
In addition to the murder charges, Morrissette is expected to face sentencing for possession of child sexual abuse material on October 18, 2023. According to court records, he is set to enter a plea for those charges during an upcoming hearing.
Background Context: Jealousy, Trust, and Tragedy
This case has highlighted the devastating consequences of jealousy and mistrust. Morrissette’s belief that his wife was having an affair, despite her denials, led to a violent confrontation with an innocent man, whose only connection to Morrissette’s wife was as a classmate.
The Long family’s grief is compounded by the fact that their son was an honorable Marine and had a promising future. RJ Long had planned to marry his girlfriend and had served his country with pride before his life was tragically cut short.
This case also raises concerns about the impact of untreated jealousy and insecurity, and the importance of addressing mental health and communication issues within relationships.
Conclusion: Justice for RJ Long
With Morrissette’s life sentence, the family of Robenie “RJ” Long hopes they can begin the difficult process of healing, though their loss remains immense. The case serves as a reminder of the tragic outcomes of unchecked emotions and the importance of trust and communication in relationships.
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