Morongo Donates $20,000 to Children of Slain Palm Springs Police Officers

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, CA – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is giving $20,000 to the families of two Palm Springs Police officers who were killed in an ambush attack last month, officials said.

The money, which will be split up evenly between the two families, is going into college funds for the daughters of both Officer Jose "Gil" Vega and Officer Lesley Zerebny.

"[Officer] Vega and Officer Zerebny bravely served the community and we should never forget their heroic sacrifice and the heartbreaking loss that their loved ones are suffering," said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. "Their families remain in our thoughts and prayers following this senseless attack and we only hope that the outpouring of community support will help bring them some comfort during this difficult time."

Vega, 63, had served PSPD for 35 years and was due to retire in December. He is survived by a wife and eight children. Many of his children are grown, but his youngest, Vanessa Vega, is 8 years old.

Zerebny, 27, was with the department for a year and a half. She is survived by her husband, a Riverside County Sheriff's deputy, and 4-month-old daughter, Cora.

Both were gunned down outside a Palm Springs home on Oct. 8 while responding to a domestic disturbance call, according to police. The suspect in the attack is now facing murder charges.

Tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to the families of the fallen officers, including $135,000 via a GoFundMe campaign for the family of Zerebny. The Palm Springs Police Officers' Association is also collecting community contributions.

SEE ALSO:

• Palm Springs Police Surprise Slain Officer's Daughter, Escort Her to School
• Banning, Beaumont Residents and Police Show Support For Slain Palm Springs Officers
• Diapers, Baby Clothes Among Donations Sought for Families of Slain Palm Springs Officers
• 'This Guy Wanted to Kill Police Officers': Alleged Palm Springs Cop Killer John Felix Charged With Murder

Images via Palm Springs Police