Husband of slain South Land Park attorney back in court – this time in a wheelchair

Mark Herbert Long faced a Sacramento Superior Court judge from a wheelchair Friday in the killing of his wife, a Sacramento lawyer and advocate, at their South Land Park home in January.

It was unknown Friday why Long needed assistance. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley sent Long back to his cell after the brief hearing with an order to return to court May 4. Sacramento County prosecutors allege the 59-year-old Long murdered Susan Roberts, 61, at her Nevis Court home. He remains held without bail at Sacramento County Main Jail.

Police discovered Roberts' body Jan. 7, when they were called to the home after concerned friends said they hadn't heard from her in several days and she hadn't returned telephone calls. Officers later arrested a man inside the home, later identified as Long, after calling a tactical team to the scene.

Stunned friends remembered Roberts for her sharp mind, quick wit and advocacy on behalf of the disadvantaged. Long and Roberts were married in September 2015.

Roberts had reactivated her attorney's license in the weeks before her death after years of work at the state's Department of Social Services where she oversaw foster homes and critical care facilities.

This story was originally published March 2, 2018 at 1:51 PM with the headline "Husband of slain South Land Park attorney back in court – this time in a wheelchair."