Lesley Zerebny and Jose Gilbert Vega - Police Officers killed in Palm Springs, California

Police Officer Lesley Zerebny, age 27, and Police Officer Jose Gilbert Vega, age 63, died in the line of duty on October 8, 2016, at a hospital in Palm Springs, California. 

Lesley Zerebny (L); Gil Vega (R)

Officer Zerebny and Officer Vega were members of the Palm Springs Police Department. Officer Zerebny had 18 months of service. Officer Vega had 35 years of service. 

In the early afternoon, a number of officers had responded to a domestic disturbance call in Palm Springs. 

Michael, Patron Saint of the
Police, pray for Lesley and
Gil and for those who have
lost them.

Someone had phoned the Police and said that a male in the their household was armed and was going crazy and wanted to shoot police officers. A male inside the home opened fire on the responding officers fatally wounding Lesley and Gil and also shooting a third officer. 

Lesley and Gil were rushed to a nearby hospital where, tragically, they died of their injuries. 

The third officer will survive his injuries. 

The male suspect, John Felix, age 26, barricaded himself inside the house for about 12 hours before he was taken into custody by a SWAT team. John Felix is a gang member and has a prior criminal history. He had previously been incarcerated for four years. 

Jose was known as Gil to his family and friends. He was planning on retiring in 2 months. He is described as a dedicated officer who loved his police comrades. He is survived by his wife and 8 adult children. 

Lesley was a new mother.  She had recently returned to work after giving birth to a baby girl. She is described as a promising young officer who wanted to make a difference. She is survived by her husband who is a Deputy Sheriff for Riverside County and by her infant daughter.

The Palm Springs Police Department is in mourning over the deaths of their brother and sister. Lesley and Gil are heroes who gave up their lives in the line of duty. They will be forever remembered.

Lesley's loved ones are devastated over her sudden and tragic death. Oceans of tears have been shed for this young woman. She did her best. She will be forever mourned.

Gil's loved ones are devastated over his tragic death. He loved his family and he was loved in return. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Thank you for your service to the community, Lesley and Gil. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

God save us from the psychopaths. They are killing us, Father. Amen.

Pray that Lesley is in Heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray that Gil is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.