A Pennsylvania man has been found guilty of first-degree attempted murder after prosecutors said he broke into his ex-wife’s home and shot her multiple times during a violent attack.
According to PEOPLE, 63-year-old Darrell Long entered the home of his ex-wife, Dawn, on March 25, 2025, while she was taking a nap. Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said Long first struck Dawn twice in the face with a .22-caliber rifle before opening fire.
Prosecutors said two bullets struck her left leg, including one that passed through her knee before lodging in her body and another that struck near her left femur.
Victim Fought Back Despite Multiple Gunshot Wounds
Despite her injuries, Dawn fought back as Long allegedly continued the attack. According to prosecutors, she kicked him and attempted to wrestle the firearm away after getting to her feet.
Hess Graf told the court that Long then pointed the rifle at Dawn’s face.
“He now has it pointed at her face. And she reaches up with her left hand and he fires. Thankfully, he hits her hand and doesn’t shoot her in the head, but it obliterates her left index finger,” Hess Graf said.
Prosecutors said Dawn managed to place Long in what was described as a headlock before throwing him across the living room.
Authorities said the rifle briefly jammed, but Long allegedly fired again after clearing the malfunction, striking Dawn in her right arm.
Apple Watch Helped Victim Call 911
According to prosecutors, Dawn realized she was losing blood from multiple gunshot wounds and believed Long intended to kill her.
“She’s bleeding from three limbs. She knows he’s going to kill her. She just starts dragging her bleeding body across the floor to get to her bedroom,” Hess Graf said.
Once inside the room, Dawn used her Apple Watch to contact 911 while Long fled the scene.
Investigators said prosecutors believe the attack stemmed from Dawn filing for divorce in 2023, along with seeking child support. They also said Long had sent what were described as “hateful” text messages about Dawn to the couple’s son just days before the shooting.
Long was convicted of first-degree attempted murder and related charges. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9.