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Incident
Police Officer Gil Vega and Police Officer Lesley Zerebny were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 2700 block of Cypress Road shortly after noon.
A family member from the home had gone to a neighbor's house and stated that his son was armed and wanted to shoot police officers. Responding officers, including Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny, arrived at the scene several minutes later. The man inside the home opened fire on them as they approached the front door, killing Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny and wounding a third officer.
The man then barricaded himself inside the home for approximately 12 hours. He was taken into custody by members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. The subject was an admitted gang member.
In May 2019 the subject was convicted of capital murder with the jury recommending the death penalty.
Officer Vega had served with the Palm Springs Police Department for 37 years and was scheduled to retire only two months after his murder. He was working an overtime shift on the day he was murdered.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
37 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Vega gave the Palm Springs Police Department 37 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Palm Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Vega.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Palm Springs Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Jose is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Jose is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jose 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 2016, 6 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 2016, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2016, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jose was 63. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Jose had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jose was 63. 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. Jose had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jose was 63. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jose had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.3% of these deaths in CA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Palm Springs Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ar-15, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ar-15, in 0.4% 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 rifle; ar-15, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ar-15, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Palm Springs Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Jose among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Palm Springs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
