Atlanta spa-shooting suspect pleads not guilty in four killings
- Robert Aaron Long is already sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting four people at another massage business outside Atlanta
- A majority of the victims of the killings in March were women of Asian descent
A man already sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting four people at a massage business outside Atlanta pleaded not guilty to shooting four others on the same day at two spas inside the city.
Robert Aaron Long, 22, appeared briefly on Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court, where he waived arraignment and entered a not guilty plea on charges including murder, aggravated assault and domestic terrorism. District Attorney Fani Willis is seeking the death penalty, as well as a sentencing enhancement under Georgia’s new hate crimes law.
In July, Long pleaded guilty in Cherokee County to charges including four counts of murder. He received four sentences of life without parole plus an additional 35 years.
Those killed in Cherokee County were: Paul Michels, 54; Xiaojie “Emily” Tan, 49; Daoyou Feng, 44; and Delaina Yaun, 33. The Atlanta victims were: Suncha Kim, 69; Soon Chung Park, 74; Hyun Jung Grant, 51; and Yong Ae Yue, 63.
Tuesday was the second time Long appeared before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville. The hearing lasted a few minutes. Glanville asked the defence if they wanted to waive indictment and plead not guilty, and defence lawyer Jerilyn Bell said yes. Long did not address the judge. Glanville set the next hearing in the case for November 23.