Thousands attend memorial

Photo: Contributed

Thousands of people gathered Tuesday to remember a rookie police officer just back from maternity leave and a veteran only months away from retirement who were shot to death in what authorities called an ambush by a gang member.

Relatives and a co-worker told officers from across the country and other mourners that Palm Springs police officer Jose "Gil" Vega, 63, loved coffee and doughnuts, golf and telling jokes — and above all, public service.

Lesley Zerebny, 27, was remembered as a dedicated new officer passionate about helping others and with a promising law enforcement career ahead of her.

The youngest of Vega's eight children, 8-year-old Vanessa, addressed the 10,000 people who converged on the Palm Springs Convention Center for the memorial service.

"He will always stay in our hearts," she said of her father. "Even though we can't see him doesn't mean he can't see us."

Authorities say the officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call on Oct. 8 when a 26-year-old ex-convict opened fire with an AR-15 rifle through a metal screen door at his family's home.

The deaths have rocked the tight-knit resort town 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Residents have left scores of bouquets, balloons and notes outside the police station and have sold T-shirts to raise money for the officers' families.

Suspect John Felix has pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and weapons charges. He is being held without bail and prosecutors have not yet said if they will seek the death penalty.