Suspected Home Invader Dead –Another Suspect Sought

On 11-17-2011 at approximately 0540 the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office received a cellular telephone call from Subject Long stating that someone had forcibly entered into his residence and he had shot them.

Mendocino County Sheriffs Deputies along with medical personnel proceeded to and arrived at Long’s residence.    On arrival at the residence they contacted Subject Long.  They further observed the decedent laying just outside the broken sliding glass door. Evidence showed the decedent had been stricken with a single gunshot injury to his upper chest.

Long advised deputies and detectives, that he had been asleep in bed with his wife and young child when he heard his sliding glass window break inside the residence.  He obtained a 357 cal handgun when he observed two suspects inside his residence.  He observed one of the suspects holding something in his hand which he felt was a possible weapon. At that time Long fired several rounds from the 357 handgun until it was empty.  He then retrieved a second handgun from the closet and fired two (2) more rounds towards the suspects. One of the suspects fell to the ground just outside the broken sliding glass door and a second suspect fled the residence and got into a White Chevy Cobalt type sedan then fled the scene.  Long then contacted 911 via his cellular telephone and summoned assistance.

Detectives learned that Subject Long had approximately one hundred pounds of processed marijuana inside and around the residence property.  It appeared that the suspects were attempting to steal Long’s marijuana.
Detectives are continuing the investigation and attempting to positively identify the decedent, so we can contact his next of kin and then release the name to the public.  A forensic Autopsy will be conducted on 11-18-2011.    Mendocino County Sheriffs Detectives will eventually forward the case to the district attorney for his review on the listed charges.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office at 707-467-9159.  Callers can remain anonymous.