Wayne Barlow : “Ocala Woman Charged with Murder in Court”

A woman believed to be involved in a brutal 2023 homicide, where a man was viciously beaten, shot, and left in a deserted lot surrounded by trash, was apprehended on Tuesday.

Jessica Lynn Long, aged 37, was taken into custody and booked into the county jail at 4:27 p.m. on charges of murder during a robbery.

Appearing via Zoom from the jail, Long stood before County Judge LeeAnn Mackey-Barnes on Wednesday morning for her initial court appearance. She was seen in handcuffs and jail attire, and was assigned the Public Defender’s Office for legal representation.

Long’s criminal record includes previous charges of prostitution, drug possession, and involvement in grand theft.

The Scene of the Crime

Sheriff’s detectives were summoned to the 7600 block of Northwest 77th Terrace to investigate a suspicious death in late June 2023.

Upon arrival, authorities found the victim, later identified as Wayne Barlow, face down with severe injuries, including lacerations and gunshot wounds. The area was described as bloody, with evidence of a violent struggle.

Barlow’s body was discovered wedged between a tree and vines, mere feet away from a busy roadway. The investigation revealed a trail of blood, indicating a violent altercation.

An autopsy confirmed that Barlow had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and multiple puncture wounds across his body.

Alleged Co-Defendant and Arrest

Long’s co-defendant, Michael Rene Montgomery Jr., is also in custody on various charges related to the homicide. The judge ordered that Long have no contact with Montgomery.

Montgomery, 47, has a criminal history dating back to 1996, including charges of drug possession, burglary, grand theft, and trafficking in stolen property.

Following the discovery of Barlow’s stolen vehicle, deputies located Montgomery and Long in a wooded area, leading to their arrest.

Further interviews and evidence collection linked Long and Montgomery to the murder of Wayne Barlow, shedding light on the tragic events that transpired.

Investigation and Testimony

During interrogations, Montgomery detailed a plan involving Long to rob Barlow, leading to a violent confrontation resulting in Barlow’s death. The testimony provided crucial insights into the sequence of events that unfolded.

A third individual involved in the incident corroborated the accounts, adding additional information that strengthened the case against Long and Montgomery.

Detectives uncovered compelling evidence linking the suspects to the murder, further solidifying the case against them.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned for the latest news and updates.