FBI on Friday She renewed her invitation To help the public solve the murder of a prominent Arab American activist and organizer in Orange County 40 years ago.
Alexandre Michel Odeh was killed in a “targeted bombing” on October 11, 1985, using an explosive device that exploded when he opened the door to his office in Santa Ana.
Odeh was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 41 at the time and left behind his wife and three daughters. Several other people near the explosion were injured and the building on East 17th Street sustained “significant damage,” the FBI said.
At the time of his murder, the Palestinian-born Odeh was the Western Regional Director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a grassroots civil rights organization made up of Arab Americans.
“After he joined [ADC] In 1982, Alex quickly rose to the forefront of combating Arab stereotypes and biased reporting. 36th anniversary From his death. “He fought tirelessly to build unity among Jews, Muslims and Christians in Southern California.”
Investigators believe it is possible that Odeh was targeted because of his activism and opinions that he has discussed publicly. He had appeared several times on television in the days before his murder, and was scheduled to speak at a synagogue in Fountain Valley on the day of his death.
According to ADC, Odeh was a regular target of death threats, and his killing came during a period of targeted attacks on its offices, including in Boston and Washington, D.C. Allegedly the attacks Committed by Israeli terrorist organizations, the Jewish Defense League, a far-right political organization, is likely responsible for these attacks Many domestic terrorist attacks In North America.
The FBI says there are “working theories” regarding a motive for the killing, but no person of interest has been named, and no charges have been filed.
In 1996, the US Department of Justice offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. That bounty remains in effect to this day, FBI officials said.
“The investigation into Alex Odeh’s murder has spanned generations, but the FBI has never given up and will continue to investigate new leads in this case until it is solved,” said Aqeel Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “I am confident that we will find the answers to solve this case for Alex Odeh’s family, including his widow and daughters.”
Santa Ana Police Department Chief Robert Rodriguez said his department continues to investigate alongside its federal partners and remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“This case is a reminder that acts of hate violence have no place in our society, and we stand ready to help in any way necessary to hold those responsible accountable,” Rodriguez said.
The FBI urges anyone with information to contact the nearest FBI office, U.S. embassy or consulate worldwide. In the United States, the FBI can be reached at any time of the day by calling 1-800-225-5324.