Grenade Disappearance Sparks Investigation

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced a troubling development on Friday regarding the explosion that tragically killed three deputies. A grenade, linked to the incident, is missing from a Santa Monica townhome complex. This revelation has intensified the investigation into the explosion that occurred at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy. The day before the explosion, members of the sheriff’s department’s Arson and Explosives Detail were called to assist Santa Monica police after a resident discovered “two grenade-like devices” in a storage unit located in an underground garage. Although initial x-rays suggested these devices were “inert,” they were transported to the training academy for safe disposal.

Explosion at Training Facility

Kenny Cooper, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division, confirmed that one of these grenades detonated at the training center. The explosion prompted a meticulous examination of a 400-foot radius around the blast site by ATF forces and local law enforcement. The status of the second grenade remains under investigation, raising concerns about potential security lapses or mishandling.

Ongoing Investigation and Potential Involvement

Sheriff Luna has ruled out the possibility that one of the grenades was lost during transport from Santa Monica to the training facility. However, he did not dismiss the potential involvement of other individuals in this tragic event. While Luna refrained from naming any suspects or persons of interest, he assured that his department, along with partners, is thoroughly investigating anyone possibly connected to this incident.

Preliminary Findings and Future Steps

The ATF’s findings are currently preliminary, with a final analysis expected within 45 days. The explosion on July 18 resulted in the deaths of Deputies Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn, all members of the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail. As investigations continue, authorities are determined to uncover how this tragedy unfolded and prevent future occurrences.