A convicted killer told his trial in Hamilton Wednesday that he’ll probably spend the rest of his life in prison. Jason Long spoke in court as he was sentenced for the torture-murder of Tommy Hoang in 2021, with the judge calling the killing “horrific and brutal.”
Thirty-year-old Jason Long was in the prisoner’s box for sentencing, in leg irons with extra police security in the courtroom, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Tommy Hoang.
Asked if he had anything to say, Long told the court “I was the one who set everything in motion.”
He said Hoang “didn’t deserve to die, but he’s not so innocent as they say.”
Long referred to his own extensive criminal record, saying “I grew up in prison. It f…d me up” and “I don’t think I’ll ever get out” of prison, no matter what sentence was passed.
He also said “sorry to the family.”
Long pleaded guilty to the torture death of Hoang in an east Hamilton apartment in 2021.
Three others pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Crown prosecutor Lisa Ellins told the court Hoang was lured to the apartment for a robbery, and Long beat him with a metal pipe
She said a witness heard someone saying “I am going to kill him. I am going to kill him.”
And Long left the apartment “covered in blood.”
Hoang had numerous injuries, including a slashed throat, a fractured skull, stab wounds and bite marks.
Justice Paul Sweeny said Hoang was the victim of “unspeakable violence.”
He said Hoang was “a much loved and loving father, son, co-parent and friend” and “no sentence will assist Hoang’s family in overcoming their sense of loss and grief.”
He agreed with the Defence and prosecution proposal of life in prison for long with no chance of parole for 16 years.
“With a life sentence and no parole for 16 years, the judge pointed out that doesn’t mean long is going to get parole at 16 years. He says that’s up to the parole board.”
Hoang’s family has been following the case closely.
“He deserved what he got. It was brutal,” Hoang’s family member said.
Long’s lawyer Kim Edward described his background of crime and being repeatedly removed from his mother’s home by children’s services.
“There’s a tremendous amount of sadness in this case for all the parties. I can’t imagine the loneliness and desolation of looking at a life sentence at 30 years of age with no one to stand by you, family, anybody,” said Edward.
The three who pleaded guilty to manslaughter have yet to be sentenced.