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Colorado authorities are warning Bailey residents about misinformation circulating in the ongoing Maggie Long murder investigation, which remains one of the state’s most disturbing unsolved cases.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) issued a statement this week cautioning the public about “unauthorized flyers” being distributed throughout the Bailey community that could potentially impede their active investigation into the 2017 murder of 17-year-old Maggie Long.
“The CBI wishes to state unequivocally that the Maggie Long Task Force remains active and is aggressively pursuing justice,” the agency stated in a news release. Officials emphasized that despite the deactivation of an original task force website in 2021, this was merely an administrative change and not an indication the investigation has stalled.
The case dates back to December 1, 2017, when Long, a senior at Platte Canyon High School, returned to her home near Bailey to retrieve baked goods for a school event. According to investigators, Long encountered a burglary in progress at her family’s residence on County Road 43.
Park County Sheriff Tom McGraw, who took office in 2019, described the horrific circumstances surrounding Long’s death. “She was held by these individuals for several hours,” McGraw said. “As they were leaving, they took her, they took her into her bedroom, and they poured an accelerant over her body while she was still alive, and then they lit her on fire, and then they left the house partially burnt.”
When deputies initially responded to the house fire around 7 p.m. that evening, they treated it as a potential arson or accidental fire before discovering Long’s remains inside the residence.
The CBI has not disclosed the specific content of the unauthorized flyers circulating in Bailey but suggested they falsely imply the investigation has concluded or gone cold. Officials clarified that the investigation has been restructured into a dedicated state-led task force to better utilize resources and strengthen digital security.
In their statement, the CBI specifically warned against trusting information from social media groups or self-appointed “task forces” claiming connection to the case. “The public is urged to exercise caution regarding social media groups and unauthorized ‘task forces,'” the agency noted, adding that “the official Maggie Long Task Force has never operated a Facebook page.”
The spread of misinformation remains a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies working on high-profile cold cases. Unauthorized groups can sometimes develop their own theories and narratives, which can complicate official investigations and potentially discourage witnesses from coming forward through proper channels.
Authorities strongly discouraged the public from reporting information to social media-based groups or individuals not associated with the official investigation. “Providing information to unauthorized parties can compromise the integrity of the legal process and delay justice for Maggie,” the CBI emphasized.
The case, now approaching its eighth anniversary, continues to haunt the small mountain community of Bailey, located approximately 45 miles southwest of Denver. The brutal nature of Long’s murder shocked residents in this typically quiet rural area of Park County.
Investigators are still actively seeking leads in the case, with a substantial $75,000 reward available for information that leads to a resolution. The Maggie Long Task Force continues to pursue all credible leads and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the Maggie Long Task Force tip line at (303) 239-4243 or email maggie.long.tips@state.co.us. Tipsters have the option to remain anonymous.
The CBI’s warning underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations and ensuring that potential witnesses share critical information through official channels rather than unauthorized sources that could potentially compromise the pursuit of justice.
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7 Comments
Disturbing to hear about these misleading flyers circulating in the Maggie Long case. It’s critical the public gets accurate information from official sources to ensure justice is served. Hopefully the CBI can quickly address this misinformation and keep the investigation on track.
Agreed, misinformation can really hinder active investigations like this. The CBI is right to be proactive in setting the record straight.
It’s troubling to see misinformation circulating about the Maggie Long murder investigation. The CBI’s alert is a necessary step to counter any false narratives and ensure the public has accurate information to support the ongoing probe. Solving this case deserves unwavering focus.
The CBI’s warning about misinformation in the Maggie Long case is a responsible move to protect the integrity of the investigation. Spreading false information can severely hinder efforts to uncover the truth and deliver justice. I hope the agency is able to quickly address this issue.
The Maggie Long murder is a tragic unsolved case, and it’s disappointing to see misinformation complicating the investigation. The CBI’s warning is an important step to maintain public trust and keep the focus on finding the truth.
Hopefully the CBI is able to identify the source of these unauthorized flyers and put an end to the spread of false information. Restoring transparency will be crucial for the ongoing investigation.
This is a very concerning development in the Maggie Long case. The CBI is right to swiftly address any misinformation that could undermine their efforts to bring her killer to justice. Maintaining the integrity of the investigation should be the top priority.