In a devastating incident early Friday morning, three members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Arson/Explosives Detail lost their lives in an explosion at the Biscailuz Training Facility located in East Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed the explosion occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the facility situated on the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue, which is home to the sheriff's department's special enforcement units and bomb squad.
According to multiple law enforcement sources, the explosion is believed to have been an accident involving an explosive device that was returned to the facility after a routine bomb squad callout. It was initially thought to be inert when it detonated. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna addressed the tragedy during a late-morning news conference, stating, "There are no words to express the pain and sorrow we feel." The sheriff emphasized the exemplary qualities of the fallen deputies, who dedicated a combined total of 74 years to the department.
The deputies killed in the explosion have been identified as Deputy Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Deputy Victor Lemus, and Deputy William Osborn. Sheriff Luna described the incident as the worst loss of life for the LASD in a single event since 1857, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement professionals.
In the aftermath of the explosion, a solemn procession escorted the bodies of the three deputies from the explosion site to the medical examiner's office. Hundreds of law enforcement officers and community members gathered to pay their respects, showcasing the profound impact of this loss on the community. The investigation into the explosion is being conducted by several agencies, including the FBI and the ATF.
Additionally, a separate investigation is underway in Santa Monica, where the same three deputies responded to a call for service the day before the explosion. They reportedly collected devices at the scene, but officials have not confirmed any correlation between the Santa Monica incident and the tragic explosion in East L.A.
Each of the three deputies had a significant legacy within the department. Deputy Kelley-Eklund, who joined the LASD in March 2006, was recognized as an outstanding field training officer and became an Arson and Explosive Investigator in 2022. He leaves behind his wife, Jessica Eklund, and their seven children.
Deputy Victor Lemus had been with the department since 2003 and had served as a K-9 handler before transitioning to an Arson and Explosive Investigator last year. He is survived by his wife, Detective Nancy Lemus, and three daughters, as well as several siblings who are also in law enforcement.
Deputy William Osborn graduated from the deputy sheriff Academy in February 1992 and joined the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2019. He was known for his expertise in handling cases involving significant property losses and fatalities. Osborn was a respected mentor within the department, and his untimely death has left a void among his colleagues.
In light of this tragedy, various elected officials have expressed their condolences and support for the families and colleagues of the fallen deputies. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that the LAPD bomb squad is assisting in the investigation, while Gov. Gavin Newsom's office has been briefed on the situation and is in communication with the LASD. L.A. County Supervisors, including Kathryn Barger and Hilda Solis, have publicly mourned the loss and expressed their commitment to supporting the sheriff's department during this challenging time.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement personnel and the sacrifices they make to ensure public safety. As investigations continue, the community unites in mourning the lives lost and supporting the families affected by this heartbreaking incident. This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
