Inset top: Brandon Morrissette after receiving a life sentence for the murder of Robenie “RJ” Long (KWTV). Inset bottom: Robenie “RJ” Long (Asa Smith Funeral Service). Background: Rose State College (Rose State College/YouTube).
An Oklahoma man, found guilty of fatally shooting another man whom he suspected of being involved with his wife, despite her denials, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Brandon Morrissette, 32, received a life sentence on Tuesday for the murder of 20-year-old Robenie “RJ” Long, as reported by Oklahoma City’s CBS affiliate KWTV. Morrissette was convicted in August for the first-degree murder that occurred on the Rose State College campus in Midwest City in 2023. The incident unfolded when Morrissette approached Long, who was leaving a building with Morrissette’s wife, a fellow student at the college.
Family members of the victim, present at the sentencing, noted that Morrissette seemed indifferent to the gravity of the situation, according to KWTV.
“I can’t speak for him, but from what I observed, there were just smiles and grins,” said Mykell Long, the victim’s sister. “He certainly couldn’t make eye contact with my mom during her address.”
RJ Long’s mother shared with the station that her son, a Marine since his 2021 high school graduation, was in a committed relationship and planning to propose.
“Morrissette’s ex-wife was merely a classmate who sat next to RJ, nothing more,” Kelly Long explained. She also recounted how her son had tried to protect his fellow student from Morrissette’s gunfire as they exited the classroom.
Morrissette apparently believed that Long was having an affair with his wife, KWTV reported. Investigators said Morrissette’s wife told police that Long was a classmate and friend.
The August verdict came after jurors heard “evidence that Morrissette shot Long seven times outside the Humanities building on campus,” Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna said in a statement at the time of Morrissette’s conviction.
Jurors delivered their verdict just hours after starting deliberations, KWTV reported. Jurors recommended that Morrissette serve a life sentence for the murder, local Fox affiliate KOKH also reported.
According to court records, Morrissette is expected to enter a plea and be sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse material on Wednesday.
