What happened at Young's Asian Massage Parlor? Here's the spa where Robert Aaron Long shot 4 and injured one
Robert Aaron Long was arrested in connection with shootings in three separate massage parlors in Atlanta. The first location hit by Long was the Young's Asian Massage Parlor in Cherokee County, where four people were killed and one was injured. The identities of the deceased have not been revealed, but officials said two people died at the scene and three were taken to hospital, where two more died. He later confirmed that the victims were two Asian women, a White woman and a White man, and that a Hispanic man had been wounded.
This was the first location attacked by Long before he proceeded to two spas on Piedmont Road. Long attacked the spa at around 5 pm and was gone before first responders arrived at the scene. Two victims were declared dead on the scene, while another two died at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Kennesaw. According to authorities, CCTV footage showed Long pulling up at the business at 4.50 pm.
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The 21-year-old responsible was arrested by police just before 9 pm in Crisp County, Georgia. He is the lone suspect. A motive is yet to be ascertained, but some are already calling it a hate crime as attacks on Asian Americans are on the rise.
Where is Young's Asian Massage Parlor?
The parlor is located off Bells Ferry Road and Highway 92 in Acworth, about 30 miles northwest of Atlanta. The parlor is located in a modest strip mall, surrounded by diverse businesses like a Mexican supermarket and a medical centre. A few meters away, one can find businesses like Tacos El Don, Family Dollar and Waffle House. The usually busy area was sealed off by police, in what is a rare occurrence for the area. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, only one homicide was reported in both 2020 and 2019.
Rita Barron, owner of Gabby's Botique located next to the parlor was the first to call in the shooting. According to the Seattle Times, "she had been with a customer when she heard noises through the wall that sounded like claps — and then women screaming." The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to her 911 call. A fifth victim, a Hispanic man is being treated, but there is no update from the police on his condition.
Popular among locals
Young's seems to be a popular establishment with locals, with the parlor earning an average of four stars on Google. One review said, "I had the best massage here today... my favorite part was the head massage at the end. I was more relaxed than I can remember in recent times." Another wrote, "Was a bit hesitant about a strip mall massage place, but I was in a lot of pain. Fantastic service, clean rooms, very good massage. Will go again next time I hurt myself."
There are a few negative reviews as well. One user criticized the staff, saying, "They refused service to me because I’m black." Another wrote "The massage here not bad. But the smell not good."
The website does not list any further details for the business, beyond a contact number and its operating hours. The Facebook page too does not list any further details. It is unclear who owns the business. Following the incident, police have stepped up patrols in Asian American communities.