Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-478F712E- 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.
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
Police Officer Stephan Gene Gray 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Merced Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Stephan Gene Gray's cause is highlighted.
How Stephan Gene Gray Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to death
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Stephan Gene Gray is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Stephan Gene Gray was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Merced Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
