Overview

Last summer, a tragic incident at an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department training facility resulted in the deaths of three bomb squad detectives due to a grenade explosion. This event marks the deadliest occurrence for the department in over 150 years. The district attorney's office is now evaluating whether to pursue criminal charges related to the fatalities.

Key details

  • A grenade explosion occurred at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy.
  • The incident resulted in the deaths of Detectives Victor Lemus, Joshua Kelley-Eklund, and William Osborn.
  • The explosion took place on July 18, following the retrieval of two grenades from a Santa Monica apartment complex.
  • The grenades were collected by the sheriff’s arson and explosives unit on July 17.
  • The investigation has focused on a former military special operations member linked to the grenades.
  • Law enforcement sources indicated the grenades were left in a storage area at the apartment complex.
  • Search warrants have been executed on a yacht and a storage facility in Marina del Rey.
  • A law enforcement robot was utilized to search storage units behind the Shores apartment complex.
  • The yacht is reportedly connected to a former U.S. special operations member who is now a stunt coordinator.
  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is conducting an inquiry into the cause of the explosion.
  • Two criminal investigations are underway within the Sheriff’s Department: one regarding the detectives' deaths and another concerning a missing grenade.
  • The second grenade was reported missing after the explosion.

Context

This incident has prompted extensive investigations, reflecting the serious nature of the mishap and the implications it holds for safety protocols within law enforcement agencies.

What happens next

The district attorney's office is currently reviewing the criminal investigation submitted by the Sheriff’s Department to determine if charges will be filed in connection with the deaths of the detectives.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding potential charges, specific individuals who may be charged, and the outcomes of the ongoing investigations have not been confirmed.