The person at the center of this case
First Works Baptist Church
Cold Case · Open
5 years waiting · since 2021
EL MONTE CHURCH BOMBING
Justice for First Works Baptist Church — 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 lbs. Female suspect: Hispanic, 5'3" to 5'5", approximately 125-135 lbs. What was their relationship and motive?
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vehicle
Lead #2What vehicle did the suspects use to flee the scene? Make, model, color, and license plate information could be crucial to identification.
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evidence
Lead #3What was the nature of the explosive device used? Understanding the bomb's construction may reveal the suspects' sophistication and intent.
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, igniting an object, and throwing it inside before fleeing in a vehicle. The suspects remain unidentified despite eyewitness descriptions and FBI investigation. The public's help is needed to identify these individuals and determine the motive behind this act of violence against a religious institution.
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 #4Were there any prior threats or disputes involving the First Works Baptist Church that might indicate motive?
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 Incident
At approximately 1:00 a.m., El Monte Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting an explosion at First Works Baptist Church. Male and female suspects 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:October 22, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 23, 2021 at 1:00 AM
Last Updated:October 22, 2026