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Incident
Police Officer Stephan Gray was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop near the intersection of East 19th Street and Glen Avenue at approximately 7:30 pm.
As Officer Gray attempted to get information from a passenger of the vehicle, the passenger resisted, and a struggle ensued. The suspect was able to break free, and a short foot chase began. After several yards, the suspect turned and opened fire on Officer Gray, striking him twice. Officer Gray was transported to Mercy Community Campus Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The shooter fled but was arrested 17 days later. He was convicted of the murder in 2007 and sentenced to death.
Officer Gray's great-great-grandfather, City Marshal W. R. Shaver, was shot and killed in the line of duty on August 14th, 1905, while serving with the Boley Police Department, Oklahoma.
Officer Gray had served with the Merced Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the Special Operations Unit to combat narcotics and gangs.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Gray gave the Merced Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Merced community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Gray.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Merced Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Stephan is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Stephan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Stephan is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2004, 7 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Stephan was 34. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Stephan had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Stephan was 34. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Stephan had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Stephan was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Stephan had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 15.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Merced Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Merced Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Stephan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Merced Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
