Palm Springs

Slain Palm Springs Officer Had Just Returned From Maternity Leave

Lesley Zerebny, new mother to a 4-month-old girl, was one of two police officers killed in a shooting Saturday.

Lesley Zerebny, 27, was one of two officers fatally shot in Palm Springs on Saturday. 

Zerebny, Officer Jose Gilbert Vega and a third officer responded to a family disturbance call when a suspect opened fire. 

Two of the officers — Zerebny and Vega — died shortly after the shooting and the third officer was wounded.

Zerebny had been with the department for a year and a half, said Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes. She had recently returned to work after giving birth.

Reyes said Zerebny had returned from maternity leave early after the birth of her daughter to help out.

"To see her laying down with her eyes open and to witness her husband in full Riverside County Sheriff's uniform because he's a deputy sheriff, kiss her on the forehead for the last time, it’s tough," Reyes said during a news conference.

Zerebny is survived by her husband, a Riverside County Sheriff's deputy, and her 4-month-old baby daughter.

GoFundMe page has been started to help support Zerebny's husband and family.

Contact Us