SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Oct. 18, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – A Utah road rage suspect has been charged with first-degree murder.
According to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, Thomas Jim Long, 44, shot and killed Jose R. Ramirez, 50, the morning of Oct. 7, 2024, after their vehicles collided and crashed into a concrete barrier on eastbound SR-201.
“Following the crash, it is alleged that Mr. Long got out of his vehicle and fired 15 rounds at J.R., from a range of no further than three feet, while J.R. was seated in the pick-up with his seatbelt still on. Mr. Long then called 911 to report the collision. During the call, dispatch asked if anyone was injured. Mr. Long responded, “uh he is” and “um a lot” and then laughs.”
In a press release issued Thursday, the D.A.’s office said the deadly shooting was triggered when “a black Dodge Ram pick-up truck, driven by [Ramirez] merged onto eastbound S.R. 201 from southbound I-215 in front of the defendant. The defendant then accelerated ahead of Ramirez and cut him off while brake checking him. This pattern continued between the two along the freeway until they collided and crashed into a concrete barrier.”
Long claimed after the shooting he acted in self defense, allegedly telling 911 dispatchers, “listen this guy threatened my [expletive] life and I’m scared as [expletive] he pulled something from his [expletive] waistband so I shot him.” When asked by dispatchers where Ramirez was shot, Long allegedly said he did not remember.
The D.A.’s press release said that during the autopsy, “eight bullets were recovered from [Ramirez’s] body” and “no weapons were located” on Ramirez.
In addition to the first degree felony murder charge, Long is also charged with eight counts of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm with serious bodily injury, and six counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm.
“Disputes on the road not only impact those involved but it can also put other motorists in danger. Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.
“I also want to thank the investigators from the Utah Highway Patrol for their efforts with this case. All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
