News Summary
An ongoing investigation by the ATF focuses on a missing hand grenade linked to a deadly explosion in a Santa Monica townhome garage that killed three sheriff’s detectives. The grenade, thought to be inert, detonated during handling. Authorities are searching for another grenade that is unaccounted for as they review explosive handling policies. Community safety remains a priority despite the tragic incident.
Santa Monica, CA — A missing hand grenade linked to a tragic explosion that claimed the lives of three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives is the centerpiece of an ongoing investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The explosion, which occurred on July 18, was the deadliest incident for the sheriff’s department in over 150 years.
On that day, an explosion in an underground parking garage of a Santa Monica townhome complex resulted in the deaths of Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn. The incident happened when technicians were handling a grenade that was believed to be inert. However, it detonated unexpectedly, leading authorities to conduct an extensive search for a second grenade that had been recovered the previous day but is now unaccounted for.
Authorities confirmed that both grenades had been retrieved from a storage unit in the parking garage on July 17. Initial inspections indicated that the grenades were not live devices; however, one exploded during handling the next day. Investigators found only one “spoon”—a key component of the grenade that typically springs loose upon detonation—at the blast site, suggesting only one grenade exploded.
A 400-foot radius around the site was searched by a nationwide team of detection dogs, explosives specialists, and technicians looking for the missing grenade. Their efforts did not yield any findings. Law enforcement has executed search warrants related to a boat docked in Marina del Rey and to storage lockers connected to a U.S. military veteran as part of the investigation into the grenades’ origins and movements prior to the explosion.
In response to the tragic event, Sheriff Robert Luna stated that future policies will consider all explosive devices as live until proven otherwise. An independent review of the department’s protocols regarding the disposal of such devices has been initiated, and psychological evaluations for all personnel involved in handling the grenades have been ordered.
Despite the significant incident, local authorities have reassured the community that there is currently no direct danger. Residents have been encouraged to report any explosives or suspicious items they may find to law enforcement.
The ATF is leading the investigation and is expected to provide a complete report within approximately 45 days. This report will shed light on how the grenades were obtained, why one was believed to be inert when it was not, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of three detectives is a somber reminder of the dangers law enforcement personnel face while insuring the safety of the public. As investigations continue, the focus remains on preventing such incidents and ensuring the proper handling of explosives moving forward.
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- NBC News
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- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grenade Explosion
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