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Who were Darren Harris and Greg Hovland? Four LA Sheriff's officials found dead by suicide within 24 hours

Three of the four deceased members were on active duty, while one was in retirement

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Commander Darren Harris and Sergeant Greg Hovland are among the 4 officers, three serving and one retired, of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department who reportedly died by suicide in a span of less than 24 hours.

According to a statement by the LASD to PEOPLE, three of the four deceased members were on active duty, while one was in retirement. Their deaths are being investigated by homicide officials as the department grapples with the losses.

The first death was reported at 10.30 am on November 6, followed by the second and third at a little after noon and in the early evening, respectively, of the same day. The final death was reported at 7.30 am on November 7, read the statement.

Any information about the officials has not been disclosed by the department “out of respect for their grieving families."

The two dead officers who have been named were identified by the Los Angeles Times.

Where were the deceased officers discovered?

Harris was a recognizable television figure who served as a chief department spokesperson over his 25-year career. He was discovered dead in his home in Santa Clarita, and according to an unnamed source, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Hovland was the second to be discovered, at his residence in Quartz Hill. He was a sergeant who worked in the Antelope Valley before his retirement.

The third officer was found dead at his Stevenson Ranch home. The sheriff's detectives reported the fourth suicide when they responded to a hospital in Pomona.

Sheriff Robert Luna's statement about death of the officers

"We are stunned to learn of these deaths, and it has sent shockwaves of emotions throughout the department as we try and cope with the loss of not just one, but four beloved active and retired members of our department family," said the sheriff.

Acknowledging the deaths as a “significant amount of loss,” Luna continued, "During trying times like these it’s important for personnel regardless of rank or position to check on the well-being of other colleagues and friends."

Luna added that he is deeply concerned about the employees and is seeking to reduce their "work stress factor.”

As per the statement of the LASD, the homicide detectives have visited the scenes, but no connection has been established between them as of yet.

Internet reacts to the death of the four officers

Netizens suspect foul play in the sudden death of the officers in this short span of time, as the following tweets demonstrate.

"I’m pretty sure they knew something they weren’t supposed to," posted an X user.

"Whatever it is. They were in on it," wrote another.

"I’m not a detective but something’s fishy here," stated a third.

"What's going on in LA??👀" wondered another.

"Whats the possibility of 4 officers of the same department dying by suicide?" questioned a fifth.