It only took minutes for Bobby Joe Long to die. The notorious Tampa serial killer paid the price for what he did to dozens of women.
Officials declared Long dead at 6:55 p.m. Thursday after he was put to death by lethal injection.
Time of death for Bobby Joe Long 6:55pm. As lethal injection administered he twitched a little, turned his head, pursed his lips, and almost seemed to be “snoring”. Long made no final statement. At the end family members of Long’s victims cried, hugged each other and smiled.
— Michael Paluska (@MichaelPaluska) May 23, 2019
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Lisa McVey Noland, one of the victims who survived an attack, kidnapping and rape from Long, was among the execution witnesses. She said she now feels at peace with Long officially pronounced dead.
Long abducted and raped her when Noland was 17. The victim-turned-deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said she was held captive for about 26 hours.
Noland said if she had an opportunity to speak with Long again, she would have thanked the convicted serial killer.
"Bobby Joe Long, thank you," Noland said. "Thank you for choosing me instead of another 17-year-old girl."
Noland explained the reason she would thank Long is because she has forgiven him for what he did to her.
"Had I not forgiven you, I might as well be in my own prison without walls," Noland said.
In addition to Noland and several select media members, families of Bobby Joe Long's victim's were also at the execution chamber to witness the serial killer's death. Lula Williams, the mother of murder victim Chanel Williams, was happy to see justice being served.
"We thank God that this day has come," Lula Williams said. "I am glad we are here to see that murderer of my daughter put to death.
Family members told ABC Action News Long’s victims will never be forgotten. Their names are Lana Long, 20, Michelle Simms, 22, Elizabeth Loudenback, 22, Chanel Williams 18, Karen Dinsfriend, 28, Kimberly Hopps, 20’s, Virginia Johnson, 18, Kim Swann, 21, Vicky Elliot, 21, and Artis Wick, 18.
