PARK COUNTY, Colo. – Maggie Long, the 17-year-old reported missing last Friday around the same time a fire burned her home, was discovered dead inside of the home, the Park County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
Mystery has surrounded the case since Long went missing Friday. She was supposed to go to a concert Friday night at Platte Canyon High School, Park County Undersheriff Dave Wohlers told Denver7, but never showed up. Her sister started posting on Facebook that Maggie was missing.
On Saturday, the sheriff’s office said it was “working a crime scene” off of County Road 43, but said no search parties were being organized to look for Long.
On Sunday morning, the sheriff’s office posted a message to Facebook: “Due to the serious nature of this investigation we ask that you keep the Long Family in your prayers. We are not able to release any further information at this time.”
And on Sunday night, the sheriff’s office said it was “working on an active arson investigation” and said: “We do not believe there is any risk to the public. We continue to ask for prayers for the Long family.”
On Monday, a judge issued a gag order in the case preventing authorities from discussing it any further.
But Thursday, the sheriff’s office said remains found inside the family’s home off County Road 43 in Bailey were that of the 17-year-old girl.
The sheriff’s office says it has formed a task force specifically dedicated to the case that involves federal, state and local authorities. The FBI's Denver office confirmed it was assisting.
“This task force will not rest until justice is obtained for Maggie and the Long family,” Sheriff Fred Wegener said Friday. “All law enforcement resources available will be devoted to bringing this investigation to a successful outcome.”
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who witnessed any suspicious people, vehicles or activities in the area on Dec. 1 to contact the investigative tip line at 303-239-4243.
It said it would not comment on any further details or the status of the investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Long family. In the following weeks, we hope they may find strength from family, friends, and support of the community,” Wegener said.
