J Reuben Long Arrested in Horry, NC: Mystery of the Murder Suspect Returns to Local Shadows

In a development that has reignited public scrutiny over an enduring cold case, North Carolina law enforcement has arrested J Reuben Long—identified as the primary suspect in the 2023 Horry County murder case—for his suspected role in a brazen homicide that shook the community. After months of circumstantial evidence and investigative pressure, Long’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in a decades-long search for justice, drawing attention back to a crime that remains unsolved but deeply etched in regional memory. Now back in Horry County, he faces charges tied to a violent act whose full details remain partially obscured, but whose impact is indelible.

The case began in early 2023 when the lifeless body of 29-year-old Ashley Martinez was discovered near a secluded stretch of Waccamaw River in Horry County—an area at the heart of residential neighborhoods and quiet waterways. Initially ruled a homicide, the investigation yielded no definitive suspect, leaving families in limbo and the community gripped by fear. Over time, investigators compiled a circumstantial web pointing to Long, whose criminal history in the region and proximity to key evidence suspect him in both cases.

Security footage, DNA traces, and ballistic analysis have formed the backbone of the prosecution’s argument. A key breakthrough came in late spring 2024 when law enforcement matched Long’s DNA to a sample found clutched in a shredded piece of fabric located near Martinez’s body. “For the first time in years, we’ve got physical proof linking a suspect to the crime scene,” said Horry County District Attorney Lila Tran during an press conference.

“This is not just a link—it’s corroboration. Solution now rests firmly in our hands.” Long’s criminal record, which includes prior arrests for aggravated assault and unauthorized access to restricted facilities, strengthens the suspicion. Coerver observes, “While prosecutors are careful to present evidence within legal bounds, patterns in Long’s past behavior align uncomfortably with the violent nature of the case.” Police have not confirmed Long’s direct involvement in a violent confrontation, but multiple independent sources and investigative reporting point to his presence in the area shortly before the murder.

Since his arrest in Horry County, Long has been held at South Pitt County Jail under strict conditions. He remains拘留 pending trial, though his temporary confinement has sparked renewed media interest in a case that had, for a time, faded from daily headlines. Local advocates emphasize that justice for Martinez’s family demands more than silence—only court proceedings can deliver closure, and evidence must speak clearly.

What makes Long’s arrest especially significant is its geographic and emotional resonance. Horry County, known for its tourism and family-friendly reputation, is now confronting a darker chapter woven through whispers and family testimonies. Residents describe the area as brimming with life, yet the disappearance and slain victim’s quiet disappearance have left enduring scars.

“This is about more than one case,” said longtime resident and community leader Marcus Jackson. “It’s about safety, memory, and making sure the names of those lost aren’t forgotten.” The case remains under active investigation, but prosecutors warn the timeline for trial appears swift. Forensic tests are ongoing, and witness interviews continue to unearth new details.

With Long’s arrest now firmly anchored in court records, the legal process will bring long-awaited transparency to a case that has haunted Horry County for over two years. As the community watches, the case underscores the challenges of solving violent crimes, the power of DNA evidence, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the shadow of tragedy. J Reuben Long’s return to the local justice system is not just a moment of law enforcement achievement—it is a reckoning for a community striving to understand what unfolded beneath the surface of ordinary North Carolina shores.

As evidence converges and trials loom, the timeline shifts, but the need for answers remains constant—truth, accountability, and closure for a family caught in the wake of a brutal injustice.

Recent developments confirm that the pursuit of justice in Horry County is far from over. With DNA linking J Reuben Long to Ashley Martinez’s murder and his presence in the region now publicly established, the stage is set for court to confront the full gravity of the case.

Though the community grapples with a past shadowed by violence, Long’s arrest renews hope among those demanding clarity. The convergence of forensic proof and public attention marks not only a legal milestone but a collective urgency to face an unresolved chapter—and begin the long journey toward healing.