May 18, 2021
PARK COUNTY, Colorado—The 2017 murder of Maggie Long, a high school senior, has been re-classified as a hate crime by the FBI, which will now allow more resources to be put into the case.
There is a current $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
On December 1, 2017, Maggie Long—a high school senior at Platte Canyon High School—was helping organize an evening concert. She wanted to pick up water and cookies for the audience and stopped by her house at 3763 County Road 43, according to 9News.
Long walked into what investigators call a “crime of opportunity.”
9News asked the FBI for more information about why they re-classified Long’s murder as a hate-crime and received a statement.
“The FBI is investigating the murder of Maggie Long as a potential Hate Crime matter. A Hate Crime is a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by the offender’s bias against a religion, disability, ethnicity/national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity,” the FBI statement says in part.
According to investigators, at least three men, possibly four, were involved in a break-in at Maggie’s house. They stole jade figurines, a green safe, a 9mm handgun, an AK-47 rifle, and 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
The suspects then set fire to Maggie’s house and burned her alive, according to 9News.
“The FBI is committed to combating hate crimes and condemns violence directed toward any individual or group. We are grateful for the community’s support of Maggie’s family and their patience with the ongoing investigation,” said Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider.
“The FBI continues to work with the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and we ask anyone who has information about this murder to contact the FBI immediately.”
Witnesses can submit tips by calling 303-239-4243. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been named.
They can also remain anonymous by contacting the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI
Feature Image via ABC7 Denver