It’s been seven years of agony for the Long family after their daughter, 17 years old Maggie Long, was killed by being set on fire. The mystery of identifying the perpetrators has also agonized the small Colorado community of Bailey, located southwest of Denver.
On Dec.1, 2017, around 7 pm, officers from the Park County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence at 3763 County Road 43 in Bailey after reports of the house on fire. At the time, the 911 dispatcher was told there were people at the residence causing damage, according to the FBI.
Upon the arrival of the fire department and the fire being extinguished, authorities found Long’s burnt remains. Investigators determined an altercation had taken place before the fire started, believing the victim stumbled upon an active burglary before her demise. Witnesses told investigators that Long had left school early to pick up treats at home for a student concert that day. A Beretta handgun, an AK-47-style rifle, 2,000 rounds of ammunition, a green safe, and jade figurines were declared stolen from the residence.
Later, an autopsy report ruled her death a homicide.
Despite a 20-member task force that includes the FBI, authorities have been unable to identify any suspect or the motive for the killing.
"On cold cases, sometimes the assumption is that not much is happening. But it's important to let people know we're meeting regularly on this case and still peeling back the layers that might bring some answers to the family," said Colorado Bureau of Investigation investigator Audrey Simkins, reported USA Today.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that will blow this case wide open and lead to an arrest.
Long was described as a bright senior at Platte Canyon High School who loved acting and starred in “Beauty and the Beast."
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