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 pounds. What is his connection to the church or community?
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suspect
Lead #2Female suspect: Hispanic, 5'3" to 5'5", approximately 125-135 pounds. What motivated her participation in this attack?
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vehicle
Lead #3What vehicle did the suspects use to flee the scene, and where was it headed?
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, 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 perpetrators. This act of violence against a place of worship remains unsolved and continues to warrant community vigilance and tip submissions.
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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.
🔍
evidence
Lead #4What object was lit and thrown into the church? Was it a Molotov cocktail or other incendiary device?
💡
clue
Lead #5Why was the First Works Baptist Church targeted? Was this religiously motivated, personal, or related to a broader conflict?
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
👤
2021-01-23
01:00Church Bombing
At approximately 1:00 a.m., the El Monte Police Department received a 9-1-1 call regarding an explosion at the First Works Baptist Church. A male and female suspect were observed smashing a church window, lighting an object, and throwing it inside the church before the explosion occurred. The suspects then 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:May 12, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 23, 2021 at 1:00 AM
Last Updated:May 12, 2026