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The Classified Ad Killer: 5 Shocking Facts About Robert 'Bobby Joe' Long's Reign Of Terror And Final Execution

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The name Robert Joe Long, infamously known as Bobby Joe Long, remains a chilling footnote in the history of American serial killers, a man whose brief but brutal reign of terror in 1984 forever scarred the Tampa Bay area of Florida. As of this current date in December 2025, the story of Long is a closed chapter, concluding with his execution in 2019, but the details of his crimes, his unique and sinister modus operandi, and the bravery of the survivor who brought him down continue to be a subject of intense true crime study.

This article provides an in-depth retrospective on the life, crimes, trial, and ultimate fate of the "Classified Ad Rapist," drawing on the definitive, final details of his case to offer a comprehensive and updated view of one of Florida's most notorious criminals.

Robert 'Bobby Joe' Long: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile

Robert Joe Long's life was marked by trauma, mental illness, and a devastating escalation of violence that culminated in a serial murder spree. The following is a detailed look at his background and key life events.

  • Full Name: Robert Joe Long (Also known as Bobby Joe Long)
  • Date of Birth: October 14, 1953
  • Place of Birth: Kenova, West Virginia
  • Education: High school dropout.
  • Military Service: Served in the U.S. military, including time as a Vietnam veteran, where he reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury.
  • Mental Health: Diagnosed with mental illness and service-related traumatic brain injuries, which were later cited in attempts to appeal his death sentence.
  • Marital Status: Divorced from his wife, Cindy Brown, prior to his murder spree.
  • Aliases/Monikers: The Classified Ad Rapist, The Tampa Bay Serial Killer.
  • Crimes Committed: Serial rape and murder. Confessed to 10 murders, convicted for 9 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough and Pasco counties) and dozens of rapes.
  • Date of Arrest: November 16, 1984.
  • Date of Execution: May 23, 2019.
  • Method of Execution: Lethal Injection at Florida State Prison.

The Sinister Modus Operandi of the 'Classified Ad Rapist'

The moniker "The Classified Ad Rapist" was given to Robert Joe Long by investigators due to his highly specific and predatory method of selecting victims. His crime spree began with dozens of rapes in the early 1980s before escalating into murder in 1984. This M.O. was a key element of his terror, exploiting a common, trusted form of commerce at the time.

Exploiting the Penny Saver

Long’s primary hunting ground was the classified ads section of local publications, particularly the free weekly newspaper known as the *Penny Saver*. He would specifically target women who had placed ads to sell furniture, appliances, or other items, using the advertisement as a pretext to gain entry into their homes. This method allowed him to appear as a legitimate buyer, disarming his unsuspecting victims before the attack.

His victims were primarily young women, with the murder spree concentrated over a terrifying eight-month period in 1984. The bodies were often discovered in remote, wooded areas across Hillsborough County and Pasco County, leaving the entire Tampa Bay community gripped by fear and paranoia.

The official count of murder victims he confessed to was 10, though he was formally convicted for nine. One of the first victims whose body was found was Michelle Simms. The relentless pace and brutality of the killings made Long one of the most feared serial killers in Florida's history, forcing local law enforcement into a massive, coordinated manhunt.

The Unthinkable Bravery of Lisa McVey and Long's Capture

The end of Robert Joe Long’s rampage was not due to a routine police investigation but to the extraordinary courage and quick thinking of a 17-year-old survivor named Lisa McVey. Her survival and testimony were the crucial elements that led directly to his arrest and conviction, cementing her place as a hero in the true crime narrative.

The 26-Hour Ordeal

In November 1984, Long abducted Lisa McVey from a bus stop. She endured a harrowing 26-hour ordeal of sexual battery and captivity. During her time with Long, McVey made a conscious effort to memorize every detail of his car, his apartment, and his habits, a remarkable feat of composure under extreme duress.

After releasing her, Long was under the mistaken impression that he had successfully intimidated her into silence. However, McVey immediately went to the police and provided a detailed, photographic memory of her entire experience. She noted the distinct red interior of his Dodge Magnum, the specific items in his apartment, and even the unique scent of his vehicle.

This information allowed investigators to narrow their search, and a fingerprint found in Long's car was matched to a print taken from one of the earlier rape scenes. On November 16, 1984, Long was arrested and charged with the kidnapping and sexual battery of Lisa McVey, which quickly led to his confession of the serial murders across the Tampa Bay region.

The Long Road to Justice: Trial and Final Execution

Following his arrest, Robert Joe Long was brought to trial in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County. He was convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to death for the murder of Michelle Simms, among others. Over the next three decades, Long spent his life on Florida's Death Row, filing numerous appeals that cited his mental health issues and traumatic brain injuries sustained as a Vietnam veteran.

The Final Chapter: 2019

For over 34 years, Long’s appeals kept the victims' families in a state of legal limbo. The final execution date was set after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant, scheduling the execution for May 2019.

On May 23, 2019, at 65 years old, Robert Joe Long was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke, Florida. He reportedly offered no last words. The execution was witnessed by several family members of his victims and the courageous survivor, Lisa McVey. Their reactions, as reported by news outlets, were a mix of relief and closure, marking the end of a long and painful chapter.

The death of Bobby Joe Long closed the book on a case that defined a period of fear in the Tampa Bay area. His story is a stark reminder of the reality of serial violence and the profound impact of true crime on a community. The enduring legacy of the case is not the killer, but the bravery of Lisa McVey, whose actions ensured that justice was ultimately served for the 10 women whose lives he brutally cut short.

robert joe long
robert joe long

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