Explosion kills 3 LASD deputies in East LA; Santa Monica link under investigation
Explosion kills 3 LASD deputies in a tragic incident that occurred Friday morning at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) training facility in East Los Angeles. Authorities believe the deadly blast was caused by an explosive device brought back from a seemingly routine bomb squad response in Santa Monica.
H2: Explosion kills 3 LASD deputies at Biscailuz Training Facility
The explosion happened around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Facility on North Eastern Avenue. This facility houses LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau, including the Arson/Explosives Detail.
Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that three LASD deputies were killed in the blast. They were later identified as Deputy Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Deputy Victor Lemus, and Deputy William Osborn. All three were veteran members of the Arson/Explosives Detail.
“These heroes represented the best of our Department,” said Sheriff Luna. “This is a heartbreaking loss.”
Santa Monica investigation tied to East LA explosion
Officials confirmed that the deputies had responded the day before to an incident on Bay Street in Santa Monica, where they collected suspected explosive materials. While it’s not yet confirmed that these devices caused the blast, the Santa Monica location is part of the ongoing investigation.
The FBI, ATF, and LAPD Bomb Squad are working together to search the area for additional explosive materials. A search warrant is being secured for the property.
Timeline of events – Explosion kills 3 LASD deputies
- Thursday: Deputies responded to a Santa Monica call, collecting suspected devices.
- Friday 7:30 a.m.: The explosion occurred during storage or handling at the East LA facility.
- Friday evening: Procession honored the fallen deputies.
Emergency dispatch audio from the scene reveals the immediate chaos and urgency that followed the deadly incident.
Who were the LASD deputies killed in the explosion?
Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund joined the LASD in 2006. He leaves behind a wife and seven children.
Detective Victor Lemus joined in 2003 and transferred to the Arson/Explosives Detail in 2023. He is survived by his wife, also a detective, and three daughters.
Detective William Osborn, a 1992 academy graduate, became a bomb technician in 2019. He mentored junior deputies and handled critical arson cases.
Reaction from officials – Explosion kills 3 LASD deputies
Local and state officials expressed deep sorrow.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Governor Gavin Newsom all issued statements of condolences.
“This is an extraordinarily painful day,” said Supervisor Hahn. “We must find out what went wrong and prevent future tragedies.”
Internal Links:
- Sheriff Robert Luna’s past statements
- Previous LASD training incidents
- How bomb squads handle unknown devices
