The Park County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday that the 2017 death of 17-year-old Maggie Long in Bailey has been classified as a hate crime by the FBI.
The teenager came home from Platte Canyon High School and apparently walked in on a burglary as it was happening. The sheriff’s office says she was allegedly burned alive inside her family’s home.
Several guns, a gun safe, and jade figurines were stolen from Long’s home the day the house was set on fire.
Authorities said they believe three suspects are responsible for Long’s murder. They have not been identified or located.
Yesterday, the FBI confirmed the case had been classified as a hate crime. They did not expand on what led them to this new classification.
In a statement Tuesday, Long’s family said, “Our family appreciates the outreach, kind words, and continued fight to find justice for Maggie. The reclassification of this case has brought light to a new angle that may bring answers. We are driven to find those responsible for such a heinous crime done to our innocent sister and daughter.”
The reward in the case remains at $75,000.
