Police identify suspect, victim in fatal Rose State College shooting Monday

Jessie Christopher Smith, Oklahoman
·3 min read
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MIDWEST CITY — A 30-year-old man shot and killed a 20-year-old student at Rose State College in Midwest City on Monday afternoon, police say.

Midwest City Police Chief Sid Porter said the suspect surrendered after being approached by officers near the humanities building of the two-year college campus, which sits just north of Interstate 40 in Midwest City.

Police identified the suspected gunman as Brandon Morrissette, 30, of Noble. He was booked into the Oklahoma County jail on complaints of first-degree murder and possession of a weapon on school property.

'Get inside, get inside!': Rose State College students, police spurred to action in shooting

People leave a building Monday as law enforcement stand outside near the scene of a shooting that left one dead on the campus of Rose State College in Midwest City.
People leave a building Monday as law enforcement stand outside near the scene of a shooting that left one dead on the campus of Rose State College in Midwest City.

The victim and Morrissette's wife, also a Rose State College student, were walking out of a building shortly before 12:20 p.m. Monday, when they were confronted by Morrissette, a police detective reported in a court affidavit.

Morrissette's wife told police her husband believed she and the victim were having an affair, but that this "was not true and they were just friendly classmates," according to the affidavit. She also told police Morrissette "has anger problems" and "is very controlling," according to the affidavit.

Shooting victim remembered as 'hero,' leader with the 'kindest heart'

Robenie W. "RJ" Long Jr., 20, died Monday in a shooting at Rose State College in Midwest City. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at the time of his death.
Robenie W. "RJ" Long Jr., 20, died Monday in a shooting at Rose State College in Midwest City. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at the time of his death.

Police identified the victim Tuesday as Robenie W. "RJ" Long Jr., from McLoud. Social media postings from family and friends said Long was in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was studying Christian theology.

"He was a leader, he didn’t follow the crowd," said Jacob Claxton, 19, a friend of Long for nearly seven years. "His love for God and to spread the gospel was so strong. He was the one who first got me into church."

Mykell Long, RJ's older sister, organized a GoFundMe late Monday to help cover funeral expenses for her brother. In a message accompanying the fundraiser, she said Long "lost his life for protecting someone else's."

"He had the kindest heart, and he lit up any room he walked in," Mykell Long wrote. "He was an amazing son, brother, and uncle. Definitely one of a kind."

Long's friends said they were planning a candlelight vigil Friday night in the field next to a Braum's ice cream shop in Harrah, where Long had worked. Organizers said they would be wearing black and green ribbons, reflecting the colors of the car Long loved to drive.

"The impact he has made in my life has shaped who I am as a person," Claxton also said, remembering how Long and his family made him feel like one of their own. "RJ made friends anywhere and everywhere he went. If RJ were here right now, he would tell us to get our hearts right with the Lord."

Robenie W. "RJ" Long Jr., the 20-year-old shooting victim at Rose State College, delivered his first sermon at Trinity Salvation Ministries USA, a church at Newalla, in May 2021. At the time of his death, Long was pursuing a degree in Christian theology.
Robenie W. "RJ" Long Jr., the 20-year-old shooting victim at Rose State College, delivered his first sermon at Trinity Salvation Ministries USA, a church at Newalla, in May 2021. At the time of his death, Long was pursuing a degree in Christian theology.

Students, staff praise quick law enforcement response

Multiple law enforcement agencies in the area, including Midwest City and Del City police, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Oklahoma County sheriff's office, responded to the shooting Monday afternoon, conducting a full sweep of the campus after arresting Morrissette.

Kevin McCormack, 19, who along with his friend witnessed the shooting on the way to class, told The Oklahoman his goal was to get others to safety inside.

Law enforcement stand near the scene of a shooting that left one dead Monday on the campus of Rose State College in Midwest City.
Law enforcement stand near the scene of a shooting that left one dead Monday on the campus of Rose State College in Midwest City.

"We watch one guy go down as another irate man — he was saying something, but we couldn't quite understand what he was saying — and a female was trying to grab him and just calm him down," McCormack said.

Porter said the first officers arrived on the scene in approximately one minute. He noted the college underwent an active shooter drill a few weeks ago, and that everyone on campus followed the safety precautions well on Monday.

Classes and activities at Rose State College were canceled Monday afternoon through Tuesday, officials said.

Contributing: Staff writers Jana Hayes and JaNae Williams; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Rose State College shooting suspect, victim identified