Three Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives died Friday in an explosion at a facility in East Los Angeles.
Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus and William Osborn were identified as the detectives killed, the sheriff’s department confirmed Friday evening. All three were arson investigators assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail.
The blast was reported at 7:25 a.m. Friday at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue, southwest of the interchange of the San Bernardino (10) and Long Beach (710) freeways and just west of Monterey Park, according to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
“There is definitely a black cloud hanging over the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department and our county family,” Luna said during a midday news conference near the facility, calling the tragedy the department’s deadliest day since 1857.
Luna said the blast was an “isolated incident” with no lingering threat to the community.
The site where the blast occurred was suspected to be unsafe until investigators deemed otherwise by late morning, Luna said.
He would not confirm reports that the explosion may have involved unexploded ordnance that had been seized in Santa Monica on Thursday.
The Biscailuz Regional Training Center houses as the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson/Explosives Detail. The deputies who died were part of the Arson/Explosives Detail and were long-time department veterans — one had 19 years of experience, another 22 years and the third with 33 years, Luna said. Their names were being withheld until their families are notified.
Luna called Friday’s blast “the largest loss of life for us as the LA County Sheriff’s Department since 1857.”
Sheriff James Barton and several members of his posse, including three deputies, were ambushed in present-day Santa Ana by criminals they were pursuing, according to the sheriff’s department.
In 1986, an explosion in North Hollywood killed two Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad members.
Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis, Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn put out statements of support and condolences following the explosion, with Hahn calling the Friday “an extraordinarily painful day.”
The supervisors said they were following the investigation and were awaiting details on the cause of the blast.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was among federal officials who commented on the incident, saying on X that she had spoken with Luna and Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. Bondi said the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were assisting with the investigation.
“Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more,” she said on social media. “Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city was supporting the investigation with LA Fire Department arson investigators and LAPD bomb squad personnel.
“The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of these impacted by this blast,” the Mayor said on X.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was briefed on the explosion, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is in contact with the sheriff’s department and closely monitoring the situation, offering “full state assistance.”
Investigative personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal have joined the investigation at the request of the ATF, Newsom said.
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California, said the deaths were “an unbelievable tragedy,” adding that he is “praying for the deputies’ families and every member of the sheriff’s office.”
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, said on X that she was monitoring the situation closely and was “heartbroken by the tragic news of the explosion at the @LASDHQ training facility in Monterey Park that claimed the lives of three brave deputies.
“I am monitoring the situation closely,” Chu wrote. “My deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and fellow law enforcement officers mourning this unimaginable loss.”
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department posted condolences on X: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn alongside our brothers and sisters of the @LASDHQ on the loss of three deputies who tragically lost their lives this morning. Prayers for family, friends and the entire #LASD.”
Updated July 19, 2025, 11:48 a.m.
