The person at the center of this case
First Works Baptist Church / Community
Cold Case · Open
5 years waiting · since 2021
EL MONTE CHURCH BOMBING
Justice for First Works Baptist Church / Community — the trail went cold in 2021, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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suspect
Lead #1Male suspect: Hispanic, 5'8" to 6'1", approximately 170-180 pounds. Female suspect: Hispanic, 5'3" to 5'5", approximately 125-135 pounds. What vehicle did they use to flee?
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witness
Lead #2Who witnessed the suspects smashing the window and throwing the incendiary device? Were there any nearby residents or businesses with surveillance footage?
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evidence
Lead #3What was the nature of the object that was lit and thrown into the church? What evidence was recovered from the post-blast scene?
On January 23, 2021, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a male and female suspect bombed the First Works Baptist Church in El Monte, California by smashing a window, lighting an object, and throwing it inside before fleeing in a vehicle. The identities of both suspects remain unknown, and investigators are seeking public assistance to identify the individuals responsible for this act of violence against a place of worship. The case remains unsolved, and the FBI continues to appeal for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have knowledge of the suspects' identities.
Case
#447
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Los Angeles Field Office
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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clue
Lead #4Why was the First Works Baptist Church targeted? Was this a hate crime, personal vendetta, or random act of violence?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Unknown Suspects El Monte, California January 23, 2021 The FBI is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the individuals responsible for the bombing of the First Works Baptist Church in El Monte, California, on January 23, 2021. At approximately 1:00 a.m., the El Monte Police Department received its first 9-1-1 call regarding an explosion at the First Works Baptist Church, located at 2600 Tyler Avenue in El Monte.
The police department responded and discovered a post-blast scene at the church. It is reported that a male and female suspect were observed smashing a church window, then lighting an object and throwing it inside the church shortly before the explosion.
The suspects then fled on foot to a vehicle, which they entered before fleeing the scene. The male suspect was described as Hispanic, between 5’8” and 6’1”, and weighing approximately 170 to 180 pounds.
The female suspect was described as Hispanic, between 5’3” and 5’5”, and weighing approximately 125 to 135 pounds.
Timeline of Events
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2021-01-23
01:00Church Bombing
At approximately 1:00 a.m., El Monte Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting an explosion at First Works Baptist Church. A male and female suspect were observed smashing a church window, lighting an object, and throwing it inside before the explosion. Suspects fled on foot to a vehicle and escaped the scene.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 23, 2021 at 1:00 AM
Last Updated:July 23, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 23, 2021 at 1:00 AM
Last Updated:July 23, 2026