Robert Aaron Long’s Death Penalty Trial Hearing Adjourned

Atlanta, Georgia, December 24, 2025

News Summary

The pretrial review hearing for Robert Aaron Long, related to the Atlanta spa shootings, has been adjourned without setting new dates. Long faces multiple charges, including felony murder and domestic terrorism, after a violent incident resulted in eight deaths, predominantly among Asian women. Ongoing discussions surrounding media influence on the trial and Long’s motivations have emerged amid national conversations about hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Atlanta, Georgia – Robert Aaron Long’s Death Penalty Trial Hearing Adjourned

The ongoing legal proceedings related to the horrific 2021 Atlanta spa shootings have seen a significant development as the pretrial review hearing for Robert Aaron Long was recently adjourned. The hearing, which aimed to address crucial issues concerning Long’s impending trial, did not set new dates for future proceedings. Long, who is at the center of this high-profile case, is facing numerous charges tied to the tragic events that transpired on March 16, 2021, across three locations in Cherokee and Fulton counties.

In total, the Atlanta spa shootings resulted in the deaths of eight victims, including six women of Asian descent. These attacks commenced at Young’s Asian Massage Parlor in Cherokee County, where four individuals were killed. Further shootings followed at Gold Spa and Aromatherapy Spa in Fulton County, which accounted for the additional four fatalities. This sequence of violence shocked the nation and sparked widespread conversation about racial violence and hate crimes.

Long is currently serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to four murders in Cherokee County. However, he still faces a total of 19 charges in Fulton County, which include felony murder and domestic terrorism. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is actively pursuing the death penalty for Long, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes committed.

During the recently adjourned hearing, Long’s defense team raised concerns regarding media coverage potentially influencing jurors’ perceptions. The defense has also filed several motions, seeking to challenge Georgia’s domestic terrorism law and to suppress evidence that was obtained via illegal search and seizure. As part of the legal proceedings, arguments regarding the presence of cameras in the courtroom were also addressed, with the judge permitting cameras during the hearing.

Long’s motivations for the shootings have been under scrutiny, with reports indicating that he claimed to suffer from a “sexual addiction” and blamed the spas for his sexual temptations. This assertion has raised myriad discussions regarding psychological factors in violent crime and the underlying issues of mental health.

In the wake of the shootings, there has been a national outcry regarding the increasing frequency of hate crimes against Asian Americans, intensified by the fact that many victims were of Asian descent. The attacks struck a chord in various communities, prompting nationwide vigils that highlighted rising anti-Asian violence. Furthermore, there were significant concerns raised about law enforcement’s response to the suspect and critiques regarding dismissive remarks made by police spokespersons about Long’s motivations.

The case has garnered substantial attention owing to its implications for discussions surrounding race, violence, and gun control in America, making it a pivotal moment in the examination of societal issues. One surviving victim, Elcias Hernandez-Ortiz, remains hospitalized, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of this tragedy on individuals and their families.

Key Details of the Spa Shootings

• Date: March 16, 2021
• Locations: Cherokee and Fulton counties, Georgia
• Total Victims: 8 individuals, including 6 Asian women
• Suspect: Robert Aaron Long
• Charges in Cherokee County: 4 murders (pleaded guilty)
• Charges in Fulton County: 19 counts including murder and domestic terrorism
• District Attorney: Fani Willis (seeking death penalty)

About the Victims

• Surviving Victim: Elcias Hernandez-Ortiz
• Victim Demographics: Diverse backgrounds, focus on victims of Asian descent
• Community Response: Vigils and gatherings held nationwide

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Violent Incidents Raise Alarm in Georgia Communities
Atlanta Man Charged with Murder Over Mother’s Death

Additional Resources

• AJC: Spa Shootings Timeline
• 11Alive: Pretrial Review Hearing
• New York Times: Atlanta Shooting Updates
• WSBTV: Defense Arguments in Trial
• Axios: Four Years After Spa Shootings
• Wikipedia: Asian American Hate Crimes
• Google Search: 2021 Atlanta Spa Shootings
• Google Scholar: Atlanta Spa Shootings
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hate Crime
• Google News: Atlanta Spa Shootings

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.