Steven Long

Parties and identifiers

Steven Long was a male. He was White and had brown hair and brown eyes. He was 5' 07" tall and weighed 155. His education level was 8th Grade. His TDCJ number was 999514, and he was listed as TDCJ #705300 on a prior ten-year sentence.

Timeline

• 05/21/2005 — Steven Long sexually assaulted and asphyxiated an eleven year old white female in Dallas County.
• 10/19/2006 — Steven Long was sentenced to death.

Background

Steven Long’s prior prison record included TDCJ #705300 on a ten year sentence for attempted murder from Dallas County. His prior occupation was Dallas Texas Fabricator, Refrigeration Services. His age when received was 35, and his age at the offense was 33.

During the trial, witnesses testified that Steven Long physically abused his pregnant wife, sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl when he was 20, and took part in a prison riot while serving a sentence for attempted murder.

Steven Long’s background included being severely neglected as a child.

The offence

On May 21, 2005, in Dallas County, Steven Long sexually assaulted and asphyxiated an eleven year old white female.

The victim’s body was described as having been battered, and in his confession to police Steven Long admitted beating and sexually assaulting the girl, then strangling her and dumping her battered body underneath a vacant trailer nearby. The girl was identified as Kaitlyn Briana Smith. She was a fifth-grader and had been at a sleepover at the mobile home where Steven Long was also staying as a guest.

Investigation

In his confession to police, Steven Long admitted beating and sexually assaulting the girl, then strangling her and dumping her battered body underneath a vacant trailer nearby.

Trial

Steven Long’s capital murder trial was held before sentencing in October 2006. Jurors deliberated less than an hour Friday before sentencing him to death for the May 2005 sexual assault and strangulation of an 11-year-old Dallas girl.

Jurors unanimously agreed that Steven Long posed a threat to society even if he were in prison for life. Jurors also agreed that none of the many hardships in Steven Long’s background warranted a life sentence instead. One sobbing juror described it as “It was horrific,” as he left the courtroom.

District Judge Keith Dean said: “Mr. Long, may God have mercy on your soul.”

After sentencing, lead prosecutor Andy Beach said: “Kaitlyn's body was all the evidence they needed,” and: “This is one of those crimes – if you do it, you've crossed the line and you're going to pay.”

Defense attorney Paul Johnson said: “What he did to that little girl was unimaginable and inexcusable,” and: “Do we really have to kill him? Is he really a threat to society? We can't go out and respond to his barbarism with untempered barbarism.” He also stated that: “This man will never walk our streets again,”.

In closing arguments, Paul Johnson argued that the state had not proved that Steven Long posed a continuing threat to society.

Paul Johnson’s strategy had been to fight to save Steven Long’s life.

Prosecutor Andy Beach responded, saying: “Kaitlyn's body was all the evidence they needed,” and: “This sexually sadistic, chronically angry individual is always going to be a threat no matter where he is.” He also said: “A man capable of the atrocities that Steven Long performed that night is capable of doing anything,” and: “Mr. Long's history of violence proves that he would continue to be a risk even in prison.”

Sentencing

On October 19, 2006, Steven Long was sentenced to death.

Jurors were described as a panel of eight men and four women. Steven Long showed no reaction as he was led away in shackles after sentencing.

Outcome

Steven Long was sentenced to death on October 19, 2006.

Kaitlyn’s mother and grandmother were described as relieved by the death sentence. Kaitlyn’s grandmother, Wanda Holder, told Steven Long: “You are not human at all but a beast always hunting and preying on the weak, small and innocent,” and: “I understand that hell is hot for eternity, and that's a long time.”

Other details

Kaitlyn Briana Smith was located in a southeast Dallas community of Rylie, and the incident involved a trailer and a vacant trailer nearby. Co-defendants were listed as none.