December 1, 2017, was the date when Bailey, Colorado’s close-knit community was forever shaken when 17-year-old high school student Maggie Long was brutally murdered. What was originally a normal day had turned into a tragedy that continues to haunt her family, friends, and law enforcement to this day. Her case still remains unsolved years after the investigation began, and numerous questions still surround her murder.
Who Was Maggie Long?
Maggie Long was bright, talented, and kind. She was an accomplished student, school life activist, and lover of arts. She was heavily involved in theater, music, and student organizations, and she made a big impact in her community. On the day of her murder, she was preparing to help organize a concert event at her school, which would have demonstrated her dedication to both her school and local community.
The Day of the Tragedy
On December 1, 2017, Maggie left school in the afternoon to return home and pick up cookies and other items for a school concert event. She never made it back. Instead, what transpired in the following hours would become one of Colorado’s most horrifying and mysterious murder cases.
On that evening, a 911 call was made from the residence of the Long family reporting that there was a fire. They arrived at the house to find it fully engulfed with flames. The fire department was able to try and quell the flames, but on entering the house, they found Maggie’s charred remains.
The Investigation and Key Findings
An investigation showed that Maggie had been assaulted and set ablaze inside her house. Law enforcement suspects that she had been interrupting an in-progress burglary when she was overpowered by several assailants. It indicated that she had been forcibly subdued and set aflame while alive, a fact that was utterly chilling and grim, leaving many in the town in shock.
Several valuable things were taken as indicated by investigators, including:
• A Beretta 9mm handgun.
• An AK-47-style rifle
• 2,000 rounds of ammunition
• A green safe
• Jade figurines
Given those stolen items combined with the arson, the crime was appeared to be both premeditated and brutal.
Suspects and FBI Involvement
Despite thorough investigations, no one has been arrested in connection with Maggie Long’s murder. The authorities believe, however, that several people were involved.
In 2019, three composite sketches of possible suspects were released based on the descriptions given by witnesses. The sketches depicted three men who were seen near the Long residence during the time of the crime.
In 2021, the FBI reclassified the case as a hate crime indicating that Maggie could have been targeted for being Asian American. Since this reclassification, efforts to catch the people responsible have become intense with the expanded scope of the probe.
Long Family Keeps Wishing Justice is Served
Maggie’s family has been heartbroken and frustrated for years without getting any answers. Her parents and siblings keep calling for justice and appealing to the public, whoever may know anything about it to come out and speak about it.
Maggie’s elder sister Connie Long has described her sister saying,
“Maggie was one of those persons who always had the capacity of uplifting others. It is just unbearable to even think that some human being can be so inhumane towards her.
Community Response and Public Awareness
The Bailey community has been highly supportive of the Long family.
• Every year, vigils and memorials have been held for Maggie.
• The Maggie Long Foundation was established to support young artists and students in the community.
• A $75,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
The police will continue to urge citizens to leave any type of tip and fresh lead so that even the most minute detail can break this case open.
Where the Case Stands Today
As of 2025, the murder of Maggie Long remains unsolved. Authorities have not identified suspects or made arrests, but they remain dedicated to solving the case. The FBI, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Park County Sheriff’s Office are actively working on the investigation, urging anyone with knowledge of the crime to step forward.
The public can submit anonymous tips by calling the Maggie Long Task Force tip line at 303-239-4243 or emailing maggie.long.tips@state.co.us.
Conclusion
The brutal murder of Maggie Long is a chilling reminder of the violence and injustice that still exist in society. A promising young life was taken in a horrific act of cruelty, yet her memory lives on through the relentless pursuit of justice by her family, community, and law enforcement.
Until her killers are found and held accountable, the fight for justice for Maggie Long continues. Anyone with information—no matter how small—is urged to come forward and help bring closure to a case that has remained open for far too long.
As we reflect on Maggie’s life and the tragedy that took her away, we must also recommit ourselves to demanding justice for victims like her. Her story is a call to action—not just for law enforcement, but for every person who believes in the power of truth and accountability. Maggie Long deserves justice, and her family deserves peace.
