The tragic discovery of a woman’s remains in a Fort Pierce abandoned house has evolved into a pressing homicide investigation along the Treasure Coast. Jackie Long, initially classified as a Jane Doe, was found inside a suitcase in the kitchen of a burned home on North 20th Street in October 2025. Following extensive forensic work, recent updates from the Fort Pierce Police Department indicate that Long was likely beaten to death prior to the fire.
Due to the severe condition of the remains, forensic experts and local authorities relied on dental records and a familial DNA sample to make a positive identification. The investigation experienced a frustrating six-month delay stemming from a backlog at the county medical examiner’s office, causing distress for Long’s out-of-state family who feared the case was becoming a low priority.
Leon Long, the victim’s father, acknowledged his daughter’s struggles and the dangerous environment she was associated with. He shared his heartbreak over the tragic circumstances surrounding her lifestyle.
There is no real answer or solution, I wish there was, to help folks in similar situations. As a father, you do the best that you can, you try to help without enabling and sometimes the help is enabling.
The Long family strongly suspects Jackie’s ex-boyfriend is responsible for her brutal death. According to law enforcement, the unnamed individual has a known criminal history involving narcotics and is currently incarcerated on unrelated drug charges. Fort Pierce Police Major Michael Santiago confirmed that the ex-boyfriend was a person of interest early in the investigation, but the suspect has continually refused to cooperate with detectives regarding Jackie’s death.
The neighborhood location where Long’s body was discovered was already infamous among local law enforcement. The vacant North 20th Street property was a known haven for illegal drug use and transient squatting. In response to this incident, police are focusing heavily on mitigating the dangers of unmanaged real estate.
Key details surrounding this ongoing Treasure Coast homicide investigation include:
- Location of Discovery: The victim’s remains were concealed in a suitcase inside a burned, abandoned residential property in Fort Pierce.
- Cause of Death: Evidence indicates blunt force trauma, confirming the victim was severely beaten before the house was set on fire.
- Primary Suspect: An uncooperative ex-boyfriend, currently jailed on separate charges, remains the primary focus for investigators.
- Community Action: Fort Pierce Police are actively collaborating with local property owners to board up vacant homes and prevent illicit encampments.
Law enforcement officials and the victim’s family are publicly urging anyone with information to step forward. They emphasize that witnesses involved in the local street lifestyle should not fear police retribution for minor offenses, as the primary goal is gathering actionable evidence for the state attorney’s office. The community’s cooperation is vital to bringing justice to Jackie Long and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals throughout the Treasure Coast.
