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 described as Hispanic, 5'8" to 6'1", 170-180 lbs—who is he and what was his connection to the church?
🎯
suspect
Lead #2Female suspect described as Hispanic, 5'3" to 5'5", 125-135 lbs—what role did she play and how was she involved in planning?
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evidence
Lead #3What type of incendiary device was used, and where did the suspects obtain it?
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, smashing a window and throwing an incendiary device inside before fleeing in a vehicle. The identities of both suspects remain unknown, and their motive for the attack has not been publicly established. The FBI continues to seek public assistance in identifying these individuals and determining what led to this act of violence against the church.
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.
💡
clue
Lead #4What vehicle did the suspects flee in, and can it be identified from surveillance footage or witness accounts?
💡
clue
Lead #5What was the motive for targeting this specific church, and did the suspects have any prior connection to the congregation?
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
01:00Bombing reported
El Monte Police Department received 9-1-1 call regarding explosion at First Works Baptist Church at approximately 1:00 a.m. Male and female suspects observed smashing church window, lighting an object, and throwing it inside before explosion. Suspects fled on foot to a vehicle and departed 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:June 8, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 23, 2021 at 1:00 AM
Last Updated:June 8, 2026