CBI Issues Warning Over Unauthorized Flyers and Misinformation in Maggie Long Homicide Case

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation clarifies that the 2017 murder of Maggie Long is not a cold case and warns against unauthorized flyers in Bailey.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 6:58 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Denver Gazette, 9News, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Law Enforcement Addresses Fraudulent Bailey Flyers

In late February 2026, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Park County Sheriff’s Office took the unusual step of issuing a public warning regarding unauthorized flyers appearing in local stores around Bailey. These flyers, titled "Local Maggie Long Task Force," contained a non-official phone number for tips and claimed that the investigation had ceased producing answers after eight years. Park County Sheriff Tom McGraw noted that while the creators may not have intended to hinder the case, they were spreading "bad information" that could divert critical leads away from legitimate investigators.

The official task force comprising members from the CBI, Park County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and ATF emphasized that they continue to meet regularly and aggressively pursue justice. Authorities urged the public to exercise caution regarding social media groups and clarified that the official task force has never operated a Facebook page. Providing information to unauthorized third parties can compromise the integrity of the legal process and further delay a resolution for the Long family.

Background of the 2017 Homicide

The case dates back to December 1, 2017, when 17 year old Maggie Long was found dead inside her family's home near Bailey, which had been burglarized and set on fire. Earlier that evening, a 911 call had reported that people were inside the residence causing damage. When fire rescue personnel extinguished the blaze, they discovered Long’s remains; her death was subsequently ruled a homicide by the El Paso County Coroner's Office.

Investigators believe a physical altercation took place between Long and her assailants before the fire was ignited. Several high-value items were stolen from the residence during the attack, including a Beretta handgun, an AK-47 style rifle, approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition, jade figurines, and a safe. Authorities have maintained since the early stages of the probe that more than one suspect was likely involved in the crime.