Bobby Joe Long, also known as Robert Joseph Long, was born on October 14, 1953, in Kenova, West Virginia. His early life was not easy. He grew up with his mother, Louella, after his parents divorced when he was a young child. Bobby Joe faced challenges from a young age, as he had a genetic condition that led to an extra X chromosome, which caused him to develop breasts during puberty. This condition made school life tough for him because it made him different, and he often faced teasing from other kids.

Despite these challenges, Bobby Joe tried to lead a normal life. He and his mother moved to Florida, where he went to high school. After finishing high school, he married his high school sweetheart at the age of 20, and they had two children together. However, his personal life was troubled, and his marriage ended in divorce. This period of his life was marked by instability and change, as he struggled with the responsibilities of being a husband and father.

Before turning to a life of crime, Bobby Joe Long tried different jobs and even joined the military, but he didn’t stay long. He also attended community college, although he didn't complete his studies. Throughout his early adult life, Long faced many ups and downs, trying to find his path and dealing with personal challenges. 

Over a terrifying period from March 1984 to November 1984 in Florida, Long kidnapped, assaulted, and murdered at least ten women. Here’s a detailed account of his criminal activities, how he was finally captured, and his eventual death.

Long's method was predatory and deceptive. He initially sought victims by placing ads for jobs that didn’t exist or offering rides to women. Once the women were in his car, they were at his mercy. He would drive them to remote areas where he would restrain and violently assault them. After these horrific acts, he murdered them, leaving their bodies in various secluded locations around Tampa Bay.

Each victim was chosen because they fit Long's criteria: young, often vulnerable, and usually alone. He specifically targeted areas where he could easily persuade or force women into his vehicle without being noticed. His pattern of selecting victims and the manner of their deaths created a palpable fear in the community.

In November 1984, one of his intended victims, Lisa McVey, managed to survive. She was 17 years old when Long abducted her, but remarkably, she managed to talk her way into his sympathies, promising she wouldn’t reveal his identity. Long blindfolded her but, crucially, she memorized details about the route they took and his car's interior by touch. After he released her, McVey immediately went to the police with her information.

Using McVey's descriptions, the police were able to track down Long. His capture was a combination of McVey's detailed memory and the forensic evidence police gathered from the bodies of previous victims, which included distinctive fibers and hairs. These clues helped link Long to the murders, leading to his arrest.

Once arrested, Long confessed to the ten murders and was charged accordingly. He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to death. Throughout his trial, the extent of his brutal crimes came to light, drawing significant media attention and public scrutiny.

Bobby Joe Long remained on death row for several years until his execution. He died by lethal injection on May 23, 2019.