Florida Man Sentenced to Life for Luring Robbery Victim to Fake Sex Meetup Before Killing Him and Dumping His Body
MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA — A Florida man will spend the rest of his life in prison after prosecutors proved he lured a robbery victim to a secluded location under the guise of a sexual rendezvous, then shot him dead and left his body discarded along a rural roadway, authorities announced.
Jury Convicts Defendant on Murder and Multiple Felony Counts
On Thursday, Michael Montgomery Jr., 48, was found guilty by a Marion County jury on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, driving with a suspended license, and resisting arrest, according to the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
Following the verdict, a judge sentenced Montgomery to life in prison.
Victim’s Body Initially Mistaken for a Dead Animal
The case stemmed from the June 2023 killing of 40-year-old Wayne Barlow, whose body was discovered by a passerby in a wooded area.
According to investigators:
“The 9-1-1 caller believed he was seeing a dead hog on the side of the road,” authorities said.
“Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a human body.”
Deputies found Barlow’s body wedged against vines and a tree, with his shorts and underwear pulled down to his ankles. He had been shot in the head and showed signs of a violent struggle.
Evidence Showed Robbery Turned Deadly
Investigators determined that Barlow had been lured to the area under false pretenses. His driver’s license was found near his body, and detectives soon learned he had planned to meet a woman the night before his death.
The victim had previously told his roommate that he was upset because the woman had taken his car and failed to return it.
Stolen Vehicle Leads Police to Suspects
Two days after Barlow’s body was discovered, deputies spotted his gray Hyundai traveling along U.S. Highway 441. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, leading police on a chase into a wooded area.
Authorities eventually found the vehicle abandoned. Montgomery was located hiding in water, while Jessica Lynn Long, 39, was found hiding in a tree, according to court records.
Co-Defendant Details Deadly Plot
Long initially denied involvement but later told detectives she witnessed the killing and identified Montgomery as the shooter.
Prosecutors said Long explained that Montgomery and another man planned to rob Barlow while he was distracted during sex. The men allegedly tied Barlow with a bicycle lock, beat him, and forced him into the back seat of his own vehicle.
When Barlow fought back, Long handed Montgomery a gun.
Montgomery later confessed that he shot Barlow in the head, claiming self-defense — despite having no injuries himself.
Text Messages Confirmed the Lure
Investigators uncovered explicit text messages showing the sexual setup that drew Barlow to the location.
In one message, Barlow wrote:
“So can we drop them for like 20 and f— in the back seat and smoke.”
Long responded:
“Hell yeah that’s the plan duh.”
Prosecutors said the messages were key evidence showing premeditation and deception.
Co-Defendant to Receive Reduced Sentence
In exchange for her cooperation and testimony against Montgomery, Long is expected to receive a 30-year prison sentence, officials confirmed.
Stay Connected With WaldronNews.com
For continued coverage of violent crime, court verdicts, and major criminal cases across the United States, follow WaldronNews.com — delivering clear, factual reporting that keeps readers informed and aware.