Tragic Explosion at Los Angeles Sheriff’s Training Facility Claims Lives of Three Veteran Detectives
Three veteran LASD detectives—Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn—were killed in an explosion at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training Facility in Los Angeles on Friday. The blast, possibly linked to a grenade being processed by the bomb squad, is under investigation by the LASD, FBI, and ATF. Described as an “isolated incident,” it marks the department’s largest single-incident loss since 1857. Governor Newsom and local officials are monitoring the situation, with the area sealed off for ongoing investigations.
Enet
On Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 07:30 local time (15:30 BST), a devastating explosion rocked the Biscailuz Center Academy Training Facility in east Los Angeles, killing three veteran detectives of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
The blast occurred in the parking lot of the facility, which houses the LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau and Arson Explosives Detail, including the bomb squad. The officers, identified as Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn, were seasoned professionals with 19 to 33 years of service. Sheriff Robert Luna described them as “fantastic experts,” noting that the incident represents the department’s most significant loss of life in a single event since its establishment in 1857.
Preliminary reports from CBS, citing police sources, indicate the explosion may be linked to a grenade transported to the facility from a Santa Monica garage on Thursday. The LASD bomb squad was reportedly attempting to render the device safe when the explosion occurred. Sheriff Luna characterized the incident as “isolated,” with no additional injuries reported.
The exact cause remains under investigation, with support from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the incident “horrific,” and federal agents are assisting at the scene to determine the circumstances.
The area surrounding the facility was promptly evacuated and remains cordoned off as investigators continue their work. California Governor Gavin Newsom, briefed on the situation, stated his office is “closely monitoring” developments and has offered state resources to support the response. Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chief Kathryn Barger expressed profound grief, stating, “My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.”
