Public’s Help Sought Upon 40th Anniversary of the Santa Ana Bombing Murder of Arab American Activist Alexander Michel Odeh
October 10, 2025 - Upon this weekend’s 40th anniversary of the murder of Alexander Michel Odeh, the victim of a targeted bombing in Orange County, California, the FBI reminds the public that the case remains open and that the United States Department of Justice is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these crimes.
Odeh, who was the western regional director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), was killed as he arrived to work on October 11, 1985, as a result of an explosive device that detonated when he unlocked and opened the door of the ADC’s Office at 1905 East 17th Street in Santa Ana, California.
In addition, the bomb injured several other victims and caused massive damage to the building. The bomb was described as a “booby-trapped” improvised explosive device.
“The investigation into the murder of Alex Odeh has spanned generations, but the FBI has never given up and will continue to investigate new leads on this case until it is solved,” said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “I’m confident that we will find the answers to solve this case for Alex Odeh’s family, including his widow and his daughters.”
Mr. Odeh was a Palestinian-born naturalized U.S. citizen. Investigators believe Odeh may have been targeted for his activism and/or candid views, which he discussed publicly. While working theories exist relative to motive, the FBI has not engaged in the naming of “persons of interest,” and to date, no one has been charged with the bombing murder.
In 1996, the Department of Justice offered a reward of up to $1 million in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or group responsible for the bombing murder of Mr. Odeh. The FBI urges anyone who may have information about the case to come forward.
“On the 40th anniversary of Alexander Odeh’s murder, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues its support of the FBI’s investigation into this case,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Mr. Odeh’s family, his friends, and the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee. We will not rest until justice is served.”
Information can be provided to the nearest FBI office, U.S. embassy, or consulate around the world. In the United States, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
“The Santa Ana Police Department remains committed to our federal partners as we continue to seek justice for Alexander Michel Odeh and his family,” said Chief Robert Rodriguez of the Santa Ana Police Department. “This case represents a reminder that acts of violence motivated by hate have no place in our society, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary to bring accountability to those responsible.”
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the Santa Ana Police Department, working in conjunction with prosecutors at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
FBI Los Angeles
Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller
(310) 996-3343
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
