Convicted spa shooter’s confession shouldn’t be used against him in Fulton County, attorneys say

Robert Aaron Long wears a mask during his arraignment in Fulton County Superior Court.
Robert Aaron Long is seen during his arraignment in Fulton County Superior Court on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Atlanta. (Elijah Nouvelage/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

Fulton County Chief Judge Ural Glanville is deciding if he should allow the state to use a confession made by the man accused of shooting and killing four Asian women at massage businesses in 2021 in his upcoming death penalty trial.

Robert Aaron Long faces 19 charges in Fulton County, including felony murder and domestic terrorism, for the women’s deaths. Prosecutors are also seeking enhanced sentencing under Georgia’s new hate crimes law. The spa shootings sparked nationwide protests against hate crimes and discrimination targeting Asian Americans.

On Friday, several family members of the victims sat in the courtroom as Long’s lawyers argued against his confession being used against him, calling Long’s comments to investigators “inadequate” and “involuntary.”