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LISBON -- No arrests have been made at this point in the homicide shooting death of Leetonia teacher Michelle Long, but Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said Friday at least two search warrants have been executed with more to come.
"Our person of interest is still our person of interest," he said when contacted by phone.
One of those search warrants was executed Thursday at the home of Long's ex-husband, William P. Long Jr., who resides at 807 N. Market St., Lisbon. His father, William P. Long Sr., 72, Endley Road, Lisbon, ended up arrested for his actions while Columbiana County's Special Response Team was there with the search warrant.
William P. Long Sr. appeared for video arraignment Friday morning in Columbiana County Municipal Court where he pleaded no contest and was found guilty of obstructing official business, a misdemeanor. He was released on a recognizance bond, with sentencing set for Dec. 14.
According to an affidavit filed by sheriff's Deputy Robert Sanchez, an SRT operator, loud and clear lawful commands were given for all occupants of the address to come to the door. Two people complied, then the defendant came to the door and immediately began to passively resist with the orders given while other operators could see multiple other people inside the residence. The defendant had to be forcefully removed from the doorway, resulting in the charge since his actions delayed law enforcement officials in removing everyone from inside.
McLaughlin wouldn't release any details about the search, the gun involved in the homicide or the victim's injuries, but confirmed that Michelle Long was shot to death. A relative discovered her body in a vehicle on her property on Carey Road in Butler Township after she failed to pick up her son and they went to go check on her Wednesday night. The sheriff's office got the call at 9:28 p.m.
McLaughlin appealed to the public again, asking that if anybody has information about this incident or even video to contact the sheriff's office by phone or through the app. The sheriff's office detective bureau can be reached at 330-424-7255. Submit an anonymous tip via the phone app, Columbiana County Sheriff, which can be found in Google Play, or the app store. The app has been in use since June 2021.
Michelle Long served as the Leetonia High School math/STEM/industry teacher, junior high robotics coach and junior high track coach, so news of her death hit the school hard.
Grief counselors were on hand both Thursday when the school district staff and students learned what happened and again on Friday. The Leetonia girls basketball game was canceled Thursday night but the boys basketball game on Friday and games today were still taking place.
Leetonia Superintendent Dennis Dunham extended the sympathies of the school district to the family, acknowledging that her death is a huge loss for the district. Students created cards and artwork in her honor which were posted on her classroom door.
A note posted on the school district's website said any student wanting or needing to speak to someone over the weekend can email one of the district's guidance counselors at mrice@leetonia.k12.oh.us, or kackler@leetonia.k12.oh.us. They were also instructed that they can call the Counseling Center at 330-424-9573 or the Help Network at 330-424-7767.