Mr. Long pled guilty to the first-degree murders of eight women. In exchange for his guilty pleas, the state sought the death sentence only for the murder of Michelle Simms, who was beaten, strangled and stabbed in 1984. This Court vacated Mr. Long's first death penalty for Ms. Simms' murder. At his second penalty hearing, the jury voted unanimously to recommend a death sentence and Mr. Long was condemned again. This Court upheld the second death sentence on direct appeal. Mr. Long filed a post-conviction challenge in trial court. It was denied and this appeal followed.

Hillsborough County