TRAGIC UPDATE: Three sheriff deputies killed in explosion identified

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From ABC 7 News: Three members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail were killed Friday morning in an explosion at a training facility in East Los Angeles, authorities said.

A separate investigation is underway in Santa Monica at a scene the three deputies reportedly responded to on Thursday.

The incident, which was believed to be an accident, was reported around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Facility in the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue, LASD said. The compound houses the sheriff’s department’s special enforcement units and bomb squad.

Multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation told ABC News that it appears the explosive the depurites were handling had been brought back to the facility from a seemingly routine bomb squad callout and was believed to have been inert when it exploded.

The three deputies killed in the explosion had a combined 74 years of service with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and were all highly trained members of the department’s arson explosives division. They have been identified as:

  • Deputy Joshua Kelley-Eklund – joined the LA Sheriff’s Department in March 2006, and is survived by his wife and 7 children.
  • Victor Lemus – joined the department in July 2003, is survived by his wife and 3 daughters.
  • William Osborn – a member of the LASD since 1992. He is survived by his wife, four sons and two daughters.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer released the following statement on the tragedy:

It is with profound sorrow that we mourn the tragic loss of three courageous Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies, Detectives William Osborn, Victor Lemus, and Joshua Kelley-Eklund, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty this morning. These dedicated veterans, with decades of service, exemplified unwavering commitment to protecting our communities.

Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues during this unimaginably difficult time. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office stands in solidarity with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, honoring the memory of these brave heroes and their enduring legacy of service.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna wrote, “Today, we experienced an unimaginable loss that has left our Department and community in deep mourning. Three deputies assigned to SEB tragically lost their lives during an incident. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this profound tragedy. You will never be forgotten. 🙏🏻”

READ MORE from ABC 7 News.

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