An Oklahoma jury has convicted Brandon Morrissette, 32, of first-degree murder for the 2023 campus shooting of Robenie “RJ” Long, a 20-year-old Marine veteran Morrissette wrongly believed was having an affair with his wife.
The verdict, announced Thursday by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna, brings closure to a case that shocked the Rose State College community in Midwest City.
Fatal Confrontation on Campus
The shooting occurred when Morrissette confronted Long outside the Humanities building as Long walked with Morrissette’s wife, who was also a student at the college. Despite Morrissette’s suspicions, his wife told police Long was nothing more than a classmate and friend.
Jurors heard evidence that Morrissette fired seven shots at Long, killing him instantly. Morrissette was immediately taken into custody on campus.
Remembering RJ Long
Long, a Marine since graduating high school in 2021, was honored as a hero during his April 2023 funeral.
Pastor David McBride recalled that Long had previously saved a woman after a car flipped into a ditch, pulling her from the wreckage without hesitation. “RJ gave no thought to his life and somehow got her unbuckled out of the seat belt, pulled her out of the water,” McBride said.
At his memorial, McBride described Long’s final act of bravery: “RJ courageously defended a fellow student at Rose State College from a gunman. Before RJ died, he fought with superhuman determination without a thought for his own life.”
Long’s obituary stated he “passed away after sacrificing himself to save another.”
Jury’s Swift Verdict
The trial began Monday, and jurors returned a verdict just hours after beginning deliberations Thursday. They recommended Morrissette receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
“I am so thankful for the jury that we had. I think they made the right choices,” said Kelly Long, RJ’s mother, after the verdict. “I’m so thankful for our judicial system and thankful for our jurists.”
Morrissette was also convicted of possession of a firearm on school property, carrying an additional one-year sentence recommendation. His formal sentencing is scheduled for October 14.
Separate Criminal Charges
Morrissette’s legal troubles extend beyond the murder case. According to reports, he also faces separate charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material, which could lead to further prosecution.
For now, his conviction in Long’s murder ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison unless his defense team, which has already signaled plans to appeal, succeeds in overturning the verdict.
