Octavionn Long convicted of Murder in 2022 deadly home invasion after DNA found at crime scene
INDIANAPOLIS— Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced today that a Marion County jury has convicted Octavionn Long of Murder for his role in a deadly home invasion that resulted in the death of Naya Ruffin. The verdict was delivered following a three-day jury trial.
“Naya’s family has faced unimaginable tragedy with remarkable dignity and grace while enduring years of unanswered questions and a prolonged wait for justice,” said Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “Today, we are proud to deliver what they have deserved all along: accountability.”
In the early morning hours of April 29, 2022, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to an apartment in the 5700 block of San Paulo Court, where they found Naya Ruffin outside a neighboring apartment suffering from a gunshot wound.
Investigators determined the incident began inside Ruffin's apartment, where officers found a shattered sliding glass door. Broken glass, blood and a spent shell casing were scattered across the living room floor.
Ruffin's boyfriend, who was inside the apartment at the time, told investigators Ruffin had been asleep on the couch while he was in the back bedroom. He heard the glass shatter and Ruffin scream before running into the hallway, where he fought with one of the intruders.
He saw additional suspects in the living room. During the struggle, the suspects demanded money and access to a safe. Moments later, he heard a gunshot and one suspect yell that they needed to leave.
When he reached the living room, Ruffin was gone. He found her outside a neighboring apartment, where a good Samaritan was rendering aid.
Forensic Investigators collected multiple DNA samples from the scene.
In December 2023, forensic testing generated a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hit from blood recovered inside the apartment. The DNA matched Long, who was incarcerated at the time. Detectives obtained a buccal swab from Long to confirm the match.
In April 2024, laboratory testing confirmed Long's DNA was present on multiple blood samples recovered from the apartment, including blood found on the floor and on the safe. @93wibc
Octavionn Long was convicted by a Marion County jury after a three-day jury trial in the death of 22-year-old Naya Ruffin.
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