CA Jury Recommends Death Sentence for Palm Springs Cop Killer
Felix opened fire on Oct. 8, 2016, when officers were dispatched to his house in response to a domestic dispute. He fired 21 shots at officers, killing two and injuring several others. Felix was arrested over 12 hours later when SWAT fired teargas into the home where he barricaded himself.
John Hernandez Felix was found guilty this week of murdering Palm Springs, CA, officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny (Photo: Palm Springs PD)
Following weeks of witness testimony and evidence review, a Riverside County, CA, jury took only a few hours to convict John Hernandez Felix of first-degree murder for killing Palm Springs Ppolice Officers Jose “Gil” Vega and Lesley Zerebny.
After hearing painful stories of loss from friends, family and colleagues of the slain officers, the same jury needed just as little time to decide Felix’s mortal fate: he should get a death sentence, they announced Thursday, the Desert Sun reports.
The jury’s decision is only a recommendation. Judge Anthony Villalobos could deliver a different sentence, but that rarely happens, a spokesman for the Riverside County District Attorney’s office said.
Villalobos set the sentencing for Aug. 30.
John Hernandez Felix was convicted of first-degree murder for the shooting deaths of the two officers, the attempted murders of six other officers, and three firearms charges.
Felix opened fire on Oct. 8, 2016, when officers were dispatched to his house in response to a domestic dispute. He fired 21 shots at officers, killing two and injuring several others. Felix was arrested over 12 hours later when SWAT fired teargas into the home where he barricaded himself.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has suspended executions in California.
More Patrol
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →