DENVER — Stephan Long, the man who was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after a shooting on Interstate 25 in June 2023, is set to be back in court for arraignment Friday and the Denver Justice Project is organizing a call to action on his behalf.
Founder Alexander Landau hopes the community will rally behind Long as he fights for his freedom.
"Stephan Long is one of many cases we have taken on because of systemic injustice," Landau said.
Back in November, Long sat down with 9NEWS to tell his story. He claims he acted in self-defense, having been fearful for his life when he was attacked by two men on I-25.
He allegedly shot and killed the men, resulting in two first-degree murder charges. In October 2023, the DA's office dropped one of the charges.
"Yes, it was a tragedy," Landau said. "Yes, it’s unfortunate that two other people lost their lives, but Stephan was justified in fear. Especially after he was assaulted repeatedly in broad daylight on the highway by assailants wearing masks and gloves."
This week, before Long's arraignment Friday, the Denver Justice Project hopes to get the final murder charge dismissed.
"We are asking that folks call in to D.A. Beth McCann’s office asking her to do the right thing," Landau shared. "Encouraging her to dismiss the single, remaining charge of first-degree murder that is lingering over this family."
Landau compared Long to a similar situation where a man shot and killed a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly among armed occupants in the man's stolen car. The man claimed the people in his car fired at him first and that he retaliated in self-defense. The DA did not pursue the case.
"We believe that there is a double standard that’s been practiced here and we believe that Beth McCann should do the right thing and dismiss these charges against Stephan Long," Landau said.
In addition to asking the community to call and email McCann's office, the project will be wrapping its campaign series with a stand of solidarity Friday at 8:30 a.m., outside the Lindsey-Flanigan courthouse.
"As a community, our pressure is what removes bricks from this wall of oppression," Landau said. "Our pressure, our advocacy, showing that we care, showing that we will stand up, we will combat any level of injustice in creative ways."
Landau said this is the third week of action the project has organized since working with the Long family. He said over the last six months, advocating for justice, the Longs have become a part of his community.
"They stand beside us, we stand beside them," Landau said.
9NEWS also spoke to Long's family members, who said they are praying the D.A. will drop the remaining charge.
The DA was unable to comment on the campaign due to the active nature of the case.
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