PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on the memorial for two slain Palm Springs police officers (all times local):
12:35 p.m.
Relatives of the Palm Springs police officers shot to death in what authorities have called an ambush have shared memories of their loved ones before a crowd of thousands.
Nephew Andrew Vega said Tuesday his 63-year-old uncle Officer Jose “Gil” Vega was born into poverty and dedicated his life to bettering the world around him, giving a positive role model for him and other young Latinos.
Authorities say Vega and 27-year-old Officer Lesley Zerebny died Oct. 8 after a gang member fired an assault rifle through a metal screen door as they responded to a domestic disturbance call.
Nearly 10,000 mourners and law enforcement officers from cities in California and elsewhere attended the memorial at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
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11:35 a.m.
A memorial service is underway for two Palm Springs police officers who were shot to death while responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home of an ex-convict.
Uniformed officers from cities across California and the country are attending Tuesday’s service for 63-year-old Officer Jose “Gil” Vega and 27-year-old Officer Lesley Zerebny.
At least 10,000 are expected at the memorial, including California Gov. Jerry Brown.
Authorities say Vega and Zerebny died Oct. 8 in an ambush when a gang member fired an assault rifle through a metal screen door.
Suspect John Felix has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
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10:40 a.m.
Mourners are pouring into the Palm Springs Convention Center for a memorial service for two police officers shot to death while responding to a domestic disturbance call.
The Press-Enterprise of Riverside reports that uniformed police officers from a spate of cities lined up Tuesday to attend the service for 63-year-old Officer Jose “Gil” Vega and 27-year-old Officer Lesley Zerebny.
A large American flag was draped outside the center, where at least 10,000 are expected to attend the memorial, including California Gov. Jerry Brown.
Authorities say Vega and Zerebny died Oct. 8 in an ambush when a gang member fired an assault rifle through a metal screen door.
Suspect John Felix has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
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8:45 a.m.
A procession is underway for one of the two Palm Springs police officers killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call at the family home of an ex-convict.
The Palm Springs Police Department’s Twitter page says a procession began early Tuesday for Officer Lesley Zerebny from Hemet to the Palm Springs Convention Center where thousands are expected to gather for a memorial service.
A procession for Officer Jose “Gil” Vega is expected to begin later Tuesday morning in Cathedral City.
Authorities say 63-year-old Vega and 27-year-old Zerebny were killed Oct. 8 when gang member John Felix opened fire on them with an assault rifle through a metal screen door.
The killings have rocked the tight-knit resort community 100 miles east of Los Angeles.
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11:20 p.m.
A memorial service will be held for two Palm Springs police officers shot to death when responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home of the family of an ex-convict.
Officers Jose “Gil” Vega and Lesley Zerebny will be honored at a service Tuesday in the Palm Springs Convention Center before they are laid to rest.
Authorities say the officers were killed Oct. 8 when 26-year-old ex-convict John Felix opened fire on them with an assault rifle through a metal screen door.
The deaths of 63-year-old Vega and 27-year-old Zerebny rocked the tight-knit community 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Residents have left bouquets, balloons and notes outside the police station and have been selling T-shirts to raise money for the officers’ families.
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