S5 Ep13: Bobby Joe Long
Summary
This episode of *What Makes a Killer* examines the life and crimes of Bobby Joe Long, a serial killer who murdered ten women in the Tampa Bay area in 1984. The narrative traces his troubled upbringing, head injuries, and history of domestic abuse to explain his descent into violence. Experts and his ex-wife discuss how his hatred of women and lack of impulse control fueled his predatory behavior. The episode details his arrest, which resulted from the testimony of his sole survivor, Lisa, and concludes with his execution in 2019.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Brahmi Pasta and Just Food for Dogs
Content Warning and Introduction to the Case
Bobby Joe Long's Childhood and Family Dynamics
Physical Injuries and Developing Anger
Sponsor Breaks: Brahmi and Just Food for Dogs
Marriage to Cindy and Early Domestic Violence
Head Injury, Military Service, and Escalating Abuse
The Classified Ad Rapist: Early Sexual Assaults
Divorce and Long's Obsession with Sexual Partners
Sponsor Breaks and Transition to 1984 Murders
First Known Murder and Victim Humiliation
Murder of Michelle and the Noose Trademark
Targeting Sex Workers on Nebraska Avenue
Murder of Elizabeth and Law Enforcement Stalemate
Discovery of More Victims and Forensic Challenges
Sponsor Breaks and Profile of a Serial Killer
Abduction of Lisa and Gathering Evidence
Connecting the Cases and Narrowing Suspects
Surveillance, Arrest, and Confession
Sentencing, Appeals, and Execution in 2019
Credits and Final Sponsor Mentions
Listen ad-free on Castria