Family Member of Ronnie Long Says “It’s Like A Weight Has Been Lifted” Following Court Ruling

CHARLOTTE, NC – A huge sigh of relief family and friends of Ronnie Long, a Concord man who’s spent the last 44 years in prison for a crime he says he didn’t commit. 

Long’s attorney wrote in a tweet on Wednesday that a ruling by a federal appeals court will eventually lead to Mr. Long being set free. 

“We have a lot of catching up to do,” said Nicole Haines, Long’s niece. 

Haines was born a year after her uncle was sentenced to life in prison. 

“I’ve only known him behind bars,” said Haines. 

An all-white jury convicted Long of a brutal burglary and rape of a wealthy Concord woman in April of 1976 based mostly on the victim’s eyewitness account. Long has maintained his innocence ever since. 

Haines has exchanged letters and cards with Long for decades. Meeting him for visits on occasion. 

“He is stronger than anyone I know. To have endured all of this and still have his mind,” said Haines. 

Through each and every appeal and subsequent rejection, Haines and other friends and supporters have been there. 

“My uncle has never ever lost hope,” said Haines, getting emotional. 

On Wednesday, Long’s attorney, Jamie Lau tweeted this message that says in part,

“The state said it will ask the district court to enter a writ vacating Ronnie’s conviction. 

In short, Ronnie Long is coming home!” 

“We knew this day would come. We didn’t know when. I wish it was sooner. I’m just glad it’s here, but no hard feelings, nothing like that. We’re so overwhelmed with joy that there is no room for something like that,” said Haines. 

A federal appeals court ruled that Long’s due process rights were violated during his 1976 trial. 

Haines says she’s been envisioning Long’s release for years..

“I might collapse,” said haines with a smile and laughter, “I don’t know.”

Long’s attorney says he doesn’t have an exact date for Ronnie Long’s release but expects it to be in the coming days or weeks.