David Long was killed in July 2018 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. A friend who was with them witnessed the shooting; after the friend tried to give CPR following two shots, Zachary fired two more times while aid was being rendered.

The motive is described as linked to Zachary’s history of drug abuse and mental illness. In April 2019 Zachary Long pleaded guilty to murder and firearms charges; family members testified about his substance abuse and mental health struggles. The judge called the killing unprovoked and sentenced Zachary to 40 years in prison, followed by five years of probation upon release.