The 2017 unsolved murder of an Asian American woman in Colorado is now being investigated as a hate crime, reports Fox31.
Authorities found Maggie Long dead in her home in Bailey, CO following an arson fire.
The decision by the FBI caught Long’s family by surprise.
“So to have this be a possibility is a little surprising, but at the same time, in some ways it makes sense,” said Maggie’s sister Connie to CBS4.
Investigators originally saw this as a crime of opportunity as they found some items had been stolen from the home.
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The family hopes the shift in focus will encourage some who may know something about the case to step forward.
“Now is the time to share what you know,” said another sister, Lyanna. “It is something we haven’t really focused on in the past. Now looking into the angle of is it race-related, it is that much more critical that this crime is solved.”
According to the Denver Channel, the FBI believes three suspects are involved. They suspect the suspects may have been injured in the fire.
“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.”
A $75,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction.
Anyone with information can call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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