Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Ernest May was shot and killed while responding to a shooting call at a local hotel. The callers had stated a drunk man was shooting wildly at a local business. Officer May's brother, also a police officer, arrived shortly afterwards but did not see Officer May's car and left. He later returned after calls were received about more shooting in the area. Upon investigation, Officer May and the hotel owner were found shot to death near a corner of the hotel. The two had exchanged shots and fatally wounded each other. Investigation showed that as Officer May arrived on the scene, he was shot as he exited his police car. Although mortally wounded, he was able to return fire and kill the suspect. Officer May had served with the Las Vegas Police for eight years and had previously served with the United States Marshals Service.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, seven children, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NV-C8DC3121- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer May gave the Las Vegas Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Las Vegas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer May.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Ernest James May is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NV, 81 of 145 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.9% of this state's fallen. That is 1.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Las Vegas Police Department, 5 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 83.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ernest James May's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest James May Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest James May is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest James May was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Las Vegas Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
