She came home early to grab supplies for a school event. She walked in on a robbery already in progress -- and never left the house alive.
The Crime
On the evening of December 1, 2017, 17-year-old Maggie Long, a senior at Platte Canyon High School, returned to her family's home in Bailey, Colorado, to gather supplies for a school function. Investigators believe she walked in on at least three men burglarizing the home. A physical altercation took place between Maggie and the intruders before they set the house on fire with her still inside. A tenant in the home's attic apartment called 911 to report the disturbance and fire; firefighters extinguished the blaze and later discovered Maggie's remains.
What Was Taken
The intruders stole a Beretta handgun, an AK-47-style rifle, roughly 2,000 rounds of ammunition, a safe, and jade figurines from the home.
A Difficult Early Investigation
In the immediate aftermath, authorities faced criticism after a since-deleted social media post inaccurately suggested the investigation had concluded with no body found, and a subsequently leaked "be on the lookout" alert describing potential suspects and stolen weapons circulated in local media before officials clarified it had not been intended for public release. A court-issued gag order followed shortly after, restricting what involved agencies could share publicly.
A Possible Hate Crime
The FBI has classified the case as a possible hate crime, citing Maggie's Asian descent as a potential factor in the attack, though a specific motive has never been confirmed.
Where the Case Stands
More than seven years later, no suspects have been identified or arrested. The reward for information leading to an arrest has grown over time to $75,000, offered jointly by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and other agencies. Investigators believe the suspects may have sustained injuries in the fire and could have since altered their appearance or relocated.
FAQ
Has anyone been arrested in Maggie Long's murder?
No. As of the available information, no suspects have been identified or arrested.
Why is this case being investigated as a hate crime?
The FBI has cited Maggie's Asian descent as a potential factor, though no specific motive has been confirmed.
Is there a reward for information?
Yes, currently up to $75,000, offered by a coalition of state and federal agencies.