Explosion at LA Sheriff Training Site Kills 3 Veteran Deputies in Tragic Incident

Three experienced deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were killed Friday morning in a devastating explosion at a department training facility. The blast marks one of the worst single-day losses in the department’s long history.

What Happened

The explosion occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles. The three deputies who died were part of the department’s elite arson and explosives unit.

They were identified as:

• Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, 19 years of service
• Detective Victor Lemus, 22 years
• Detective William Osborn, 33 years

“These were highly trained professionals, experts in their field,” said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Today, we lost three of our best.”

No other injuries were reported. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Possible Link to Santa Monica Devices

Authorities are looking into whether the blast is connected to suspicious devices found the day before at an apartment complex in Santa Monica. The three deputies had responded to that call to help local police.

Law enforcement evacuated the complex and worked on getting a warrant to search for explosives. However, it’s still unclear if there’s a direct link between that case and the training facility explosion.

Investigation Underway

The blast happened in a parking lot filled with sheriff’s department vehicles. Aerial footage showed three covered bodies near a truck, with damage visible on nearby patrol cars.

It took over four hours to make the area safe. The investigation is now being led by the department’s homicide unit, with help from the FBI, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and other agencies.

Mayor Karen Bass said Los Angeles Police and Fire Department teams are also assisting.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed, and the state’s emergency services and Fire Marshal are working closely with federal investigators.

A Historic Loss

Sheriff Luna said the tragedy marks the department’s deadliest day since 1857, when four officers were killed by gunfire.

“I’ve spoken with two of the three families,” Luna said, his voice breaking during the press conference. “Those conversations were incredibly difficult.”

The department held a procession and service Friday evening to honor the fallen.

Deputy Jason Zabala, a SWAT team member, called the victims “the best of the best.”

“When you sign up, you know this job is dangerous,” he said. “But moments like this remind you just how dangerous.”

What Comes Next

Authorities will continue investigating the blast and any potential links to recent explosive-related incidents. In the meantime, tributes are pouring in for the fallen deputies, and their families are being supported by the sheriff’s department and community.

As the Sheriff’s Department mourns, the public is urged to keep the families of the deputies in their thoughts.