Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis have issued a statement regarding the deaths of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn. The detectives were killed in an explosion at Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles on July 18, 2025. This incident marks the largest loss of life for the agency in a single event since 1857.
“Detectives Kelley-Eklund, Lemus, and Osborn proudly served the Los Angeles community with courage and honor. We are holding their families and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in our hearts. We will never forget their service to our communities and their sacrifice,” said Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis.
Detective Kelley-Eklund joined the department in March 2006, serving various roles before becoming an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2022. He is survived by his wife Jessica Eklund and their seven children.
Detective Lemus started as a Security Assistant on July 1, 2003, eventually becoming an Arson and Explosive Investigator last year. He is survived by his wife Detective Nancy Lemus, three daughters, his siblings including three sisters who work for the department, and his brother-in-law.
Detective Osborn graduated from the Deputy Sheriff Academy in February 1992. After years of service in different capacities within the department, he became an Arson and Explosive Investigator with the Special Enforcement Bureau in 2019. He is survived by his wife Detective Shannon Rincon, four sons, and two daughters.
In tribute to these detectives, flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff.
