LISBON, Ohio (Court TV) — An Ohio man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury found him guilty of killing his ex-wife.

William Long Jr., 51, was convicted on all the charges he faced, including aggravated murder, for the Nov. 2023 death of Michelle Long, 50. He was immediately sentenced to life in prison plus 14 years to be served consecutively.

Defendant William Long testifies in his murder trial on Feb. 9, 2026. (Court TV)

Prosecutors alleged William shot Michelle as she sat in her pickup truck in her driveway. The former couple had recently divorced and were “involved in ongoing legal proceedings,” according to court documents.

Authorities responded to Michelle’s home on Nov. 29 after receiving a 911 call at 9:28 p.m. reporting a shooting. Shortly after, William arrived at the scene and told authorities he had texted his ex-wife at 5 p.m. and had not received a response.

An investigation revealed that Michelle’s attorney told a detective that she had been at his office on the day she died and had “expressed concern for her safety due to (William’s) behavior.”

Investigators said cell phone data and digital evidence from a pickup truck pointed to William as the suspect. In Dec., a judge denied multiple defense motions to suppress evidence they argued was obtained through search warrants issued without probable cause.

At the time of her death, Michelle was a teacher at Leetonia High School.

DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 4 – 2/9/26

• William Long, Defendant
  • Long took the stand and denied any involvement in the murder of his ex-wife, Michelle Long.
    • WATCH: Deadly Divorce Murder Trial: Defendant William Long Testifies
• The prosecution and defense presented closing arguments.
  • WATCH: Deadly Divorce Murder Trial: Closing Arguments
• The jury reached a verdict.
  • WATCH: Deadly Divorce Murder Trial: Watch The Verdict!

DAY 3 – 2/6/26

• Detective Lt. Caleb Wycoff, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office
  • Wycoff served as chief investigator on the case and arrived at the crime scene at 10:33 pm on Nov. 29, 2023.
  • Michelle’s death appeared to be from gunshots; there was no evidence of a robbery.
  • William and Michelle had a contentious divorce; a judgment against William was handed down the day before Michelle’s death.
  • Michelle’s last movements: she left work, visited an attorney, went to Arby’s and Walmart, then went home at 5:45 pm.
  • Surveillance video corroborated both William’s and Michelle’s movements.
  • William’s phone and Life360 data were analyzed; both he and Michelle had the app but were not following each other.
  • Investigators did not recover the murder weapon: a Ruger .44 Magnum revolver owned by William, listed in divorce documents; a single .44 Magnum round was found in William’s red Charger.
  • The last message from William to Michelle was at 9:01 pm on the day of the homicide; the text asked if she was coming to pick up their son. Video and text evidence showed a history of verbal abuse and threats by William toward Michelle, including a threat to kill her.

DAY 2 – 2/5/26

• Special Agent Daniel Boerner, Crime Scene Investigator, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
  • Helped process the crime scene and documented evidence with photos.
  • The victim, Michelle Long, was found in her Dodge truck, which had evidence of bullet holes and blood stains.
  • No cartridge casings were found at the scene; ballistic damage, bullet fragments and a projectile were recovered from the truck.
  • Additional evidence included receipts, binders and physical items like a cell phone found in the truck.
  • Processed a white Chevrolet truck belonging to defendant William Long, and found a gun case with a handgun, magazines, ammunition and other items.
  • A third vehicle, a navy blue Chevrolet truck, was processed for gunshot residue and contained a receipt from Dec. 4, 2023.
  • No glass shards were found in William’s white or blue trucks; glass was in and around the bed of Michelle’s truck.
• Andrew Chappell, Firearm Analyst, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
  • Received evidence, including a Springfield pistol, a fired bullet and bullet jackets/cores.
  • Testing showed that the fired bullet and jacket casing (recovered from Michelle’s shirt) were not fired from the Springfield pistol found in William’s pickup truck.
  • The projectiles were determined to have come from a .44 Magnum caliber revolver.
• Kellen Patrick Long, William Long’s Nephew
  • William sometimes drove a white truck (newer model) and sometimes a blue truck (older model). On the day in question, he left in the blue truck, leaving the white truck behind. Both belonged to William and were often parked at his grandfather’s property.
  • Kellen confirmed that he, his uncle and his grandfather sometimes shot guns together and that William kept guns at his grandpa’s house.
  • Kellen said it was not unusual for Uncle Bill to leave him and Brandon in the garage or to leave in the blue truck. William drove the blue truck occasionally to keep it running; its parking location varied around the property.
  • Kellen did not see William take anything with him when he left that day.
• Richard Todd, William Long’s Friend
  • Todd and William frequently worked on each other’s vehicles and spoke on the phone; Todd was familiar only with the garage area of William’s father’s property.
  • On Nov. 9, 2023, Todd recalled seeing someone parked at the end of William’s father’s driveway in an old, dark-colored truck; the defendant confirmed it was him. Todd recalled that he sounded “perky” during the call.
• Alexis Kelly, William Long’s Girlfriend’s Daughter
  • Alexis’ mother began dating William in 2022 or 2023, when he was in the middle of a divorce and upset about the circumstances; he once said he wished his ex would “die of ass cancer.”
  • On Nov. 29, 2023, Alexis was at school, picked up her brother and returned home. Only she and Devin were there. Alexis planned to go out with her boyfriend that evening, she did not see Bill after school that day.
  • Her mother texted and called her, sounding worried and upset. When Alexis returned home later, Bill was at home “stone cold” and LeAnn was very upset.
  • Bill and LeAnn left the house around midnight.
  • Bill kept a revolver in his nightstand; Alexis noticed it was missing after the incident. She said she last saw the gun at the end of Oct. 2023; she deliberately checked the nightstand after the incident and the gun was gone.
• Valerie Wrikert, Visited Kelly home
  • Devin and his sister were home; they went upstairs and Devin was playing PlayStation.
  • Valerie and Devin left around 6p to go to the Dollar Store and returned around 30 minutes later; Valerie didn’t see anyone else enter the home during her visit.
• Austin Mint, Alexis Kelly’s boyfriend
  • Verified that Alexis received a phone call that made her cry and began having contact on her phone.
• Dr. Daniel Sullivan, Forensic Examiner, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office
  • Dr. Sullivan conducted the autopsy of Michelle Ann Long on November 30, 2023.
  • The autopsy found multiple injuries: 5 gunshot wounds and a graze wound, affecting the head, face (left eye, lip, mandible), neck, right arm, and torso.
  • Toxicology results showed only caffeine in her system; no other substances were identified.
  • The official cause of death: gunshot wounds to the head, face, neck, arm, and torso.
  • The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
• Leanne Beadnell, William Long’s Girlfriend
  • Leanne Beadnell began dating him in April 2022.
  • Their relationship was tumultuous, with frequent arguments and periods of separation (3 or 4 times), sometimes related to William’s drinking.
  • Leanne heard William express anger toward his ex-wife Michelle, including wishing harm upon her, but did not personally fear he would hurt or shoot Michelle.
  • William Long appeared shaken after learning of Michelle’s death.
  • Leanne went with William to Michelle’s house, where police confiscated William’s truck.
  • Leanne questioned William about the murder; he denied involvement and did not want to talk about the incident.
  • During cross-examination, it was discussed that William’s divorce, drinking, and a prior suicide attempt caused stress. After the attempt, Leanne demanded no guns in the house.
  • After Michelle’s death, she and William received divorce-related mail and she encouraged him to call his attorney, observing he seemed confused.

DAY 1 – 2/4/26

• The prosecution delivered its opening statement.
  • Around 5:45 pm, Michelle Long’s neighbor heard multiple gunshots near his home, which was unusual despite it being hunting season.
  • The gunshots were from the shooting of Michelle Long outside her home.
  • Sarah Lewis and Robert Morris discovered Michelle’s body later that evening in her truck; there was no evidence of a robbery, and a TV was found in the backseat.
  • Michelle Long filed for divorce in April 2022 and it was finalized in April 2023.
  • The divorce was contentious, with ongoing court proceedings scheduled even before Michelle’s murder.
  • A judge ordered that Michelle receive the marital home and other property, and that the defendant pay child support, alimony, and $100,000. The defendant appealed multiple times but was denied.
  • The prosecution argues the defendant did not intend to comply with the court’s orders and harbored hatred towards Michelle.
  • Evidence will show the defendant left his phone at one location and drove to Michelle’s home, indicating premeditation.
  • The defendant faces charges of aggravated murder, murder and discharging a firearm over a public road, with three specifications.
  • The prosecution asserts that the evidence will show the defendant’s deliberate actions and urges a guilty verdict on all charges.
• The defense delivered its opening statement.
  • Michelle Long was shot on Nov. 29, 2023, around 5:45 pm, but her body was not found until hours later.
  • Surveillance video shows Michelle’s truck arriving, followed by another vehicle.
  • Law enforcement accuses her ex-husband, Bill, of committing the crime.
  • Evidence includes Bill’s cell phone records and Life360 location sharing.
  • Bill left the garage at 5:18 pm and was later at 807 Market Street, where he stayed with his girlfriend, Leann.
  • Bill’s Life360 data is expected to support his account of his whereabouts.
  • The defense argues the case is not about Bill’s character, but whether the state can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • The state is expected to focus on emotional aspects and character attacks, but the burden is on them to provide sufficient evidence.
  • WATCH: Deadly Divorce Murder Trial: Opening Statements
• Sarah Lewis, Michelle Long’s sister
  • Michelle was a schoolteacher, track coach and involved in STEM programs.
  • Michelle and William Long’s marriage began well but became contentious over time, especially during and after the divorce process.
  • Sarah observed arguments between Michelle and Bill; Bill frequently accused Michelle of lying and cheating, which made Michelle cry — a rare occurrence for her.
  • Bill was described as drinking frequently and being verbally hurtful, sometimes involving his son in taunting Michelle.
  • The divorce was contentious, largely over custody of Brandon and time spent with him, and Michelle felt afraid of Bill.
  • Michelle was granted the house, custody of their son, visitation rights for Bill, alimony, child support and was to receive $100,000 (which she never received).
  • On the day of Michelle’s murder, she went to work, visited her attorney, and did not answer her phone later that day, which was unusual.
  • Family became concerned when Michelle did not pick up her son; they tracked her location and found her dead in her truck near the mailbox, with gunshot wounds.
  • Sarah immediately suspected Bill and told the police of her suspicion.
  • Cameras were installed in the home for security; Bill would unplug them when visiting.
  • Sarah was close to her sister, and her testimony was based on both direct observation and information Michelle shared with her.
• Robert Morris, William Long’s Cousin (Sarah Lewis’ boyfriend)
  • Morris was familiar with William’s gun collection, including a .44 Ruger, and had shot the gun before.
  • Morris noticed William became angrier and drank more during his divorce, often drinking alone in his garage.
  • On Nov. 29, 2023, Morris and Sarah responded to a concerning call when Michelle didn’t pick up Brandon.
  • Upon arrival at the scene, they found Michelle’s truck on the road with glass scattered nearby; Michelle was inside, unresponsive and with visible blood.
  • Morris called 911 and described the scene.
    • WATCH: Defendant’s Cousin Testifies to Finding Michelle Long, Calling 911
  • Morris stated the divorce was bad and noticed increased hostility from William toward Michelle.
  • Police and family members arrived at the scene, followed by William, who appeared shaken and wanted to see Brandon.
• Lewis Katz, Michelle Long’s Divorce Attorney
  • Lewis Katz, Michelle Long’s divorce attorney, testified regarding the divorce proceedings between Michelle and William Long Jr.
  • In the Long divorce, money and spousal support were main points of contention.
  • Standard restraining orders and temporary orders were issued in the case.
  • Mr. Long was found in contempt for removing items from the marital home and not following court orders.
  • The divorce trial concluded in April 2023; Mrs. Long was granted the marital residence, land, spousal support, and custody of the minor child; Mr. Long had visitation rights.
  • Property and assets, including a retirement account worth over $250,000, were divided; Mr. Long was ordered to pay $100,000 to equalize the division.
  • Katz believed spousal support was granted for eight years but thought Michelle Long should have received support indefinitely but Michelle chose not to contest it further due to stress.
  • Post-divorce, Mr. Long did not comply with some property and deed orders, resulting in further contempt findings.
  • No reports or filings of domestic violence or threats; concerns were primarily about property and financial matters.
  • Defense cross-examined Katz about characterization of Mr. Long and specifics of the property and financial agreements.
  • The court found no financial misconduct regarding the retirement account withdrawal as both parties had agreed to the distribution.
• Robert Saltzgiver, Michelle Long’s Neighbor
  • The neighborhood is described as rural and quiet, with no streetlights nearby.
  • On the night of the murder, Saltsgiver heard gunshots close to his location, describing them as loud and near his home.
  • He did not see Michelle Long’s truck on the road that night; he only heard the gunshots.
• Deputy Rob Vokuvich, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office
  • Arrived at the scene at 9:49 pm to find a red pickup truck parked on the wrong side of the road and a white female, later identified as Michelle, shot and deceased inside the vehicle.
  • Both driver and passenger side windows were broken, and there was blood present.
  • Paramedics and fire personnel were already on scene; the deputy began securing the area and maintaining a crime scene log.
  • Michelle was a schoolteacher going through a divorce; her mother, Karen Lewis, and other family members, including her children and sister, were present.
  • The victim’s behavior was described as out of character, especially not picking up her son.
  • Bill Long arrived on the scene about 30 minutes after Vukovich. His demeanor was described as “disinterested”, and he did not ask about Michelle’s condition.
  • Long tried to enter the house but was stopped by Vukovich; he was later mirandized after inconsistencies in his statements.
  • Long willingly surrendered his truck and phone to law enforcement without a warrant.