According to the report, Long was released from Albemarle Prison in Stanley County, where he was held for 44 years.
His family, relatives and activists who had been campaigning for his release for a long time welcomed Long, 64, on the way out of prison.
US District Court of Appeals Judge Stephanie Thacker stated in the decision on the release that the police had deliberately concealed a great deal of evidence that could be evaluated in favor of the defendant Long during his trial, thereby depriving him of the right to a fair trial.
Judge Thacker stated that the police had concealed critical evidence, such as semen and fingerprints seized at the scene, from the jury and the defense, which resulted in the wrongful conviction of the defendant.
LONG WAS A LEGAL FIGHT FOR LONG YEARS
On April 25, 1976, then 20-year-old Long was convicted in the city of Concord, accused of raping the 54-year-old widow of one of the state's leading businessmen. Long, who denied the accusation, had been fighting the law for many years.