Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This week is the 20th anniversary of our graduating from Hanford High School and plans are furiously under way for the reunion. But it won't be the same with out Stephan there.

Naturally, he has been on my mind lately, as has Tony, along with other classmates no longer with us. I am very pleased to read here about the sentencing. I take comfort in my beliefs that the God I believe in is just. And that coward will burn in hell (hopefully sooner rather than later!) while Steph spends eternity in paradise where his family will join him some day (later rather than sooner!).

It is no surprise to read all of the wonderful things written on these pages. Although we were not extremely close 20 years ago, nor did we kep in touch after leaving Hanford, we did share our bonds and I had great admiration and affections for both Steph and Tony. Stephan always struck me as being thoughtful and caring while occasionally breaking out that famous smile and laughter. We shared some memories that I will never forget.

I am happy to hear he had a beautiful wife and family. I know you miss him greatly. And Michelle, I hope you get a chance to come to the reunion and meet some of us who remember Stephan fondly and share in some of the great stories from way back when. Tony, I expect to see you on July 21st!

Stephan will definately be in my thoughts that night. Rest in peace, my friend.

Danny Rust
HHS, Class of '87
[email protected]

Danny Rust
High School Friend

June 6, 2007

Steph,
Cami graduates from Kindergarten tomorrow. Another milestone that we will be missing you. It is so unfair, you were such a great Daddy, they miss you so much. Cami asked to take a letter to your headstone after she graduates, I guess it is her way of having you somehow be involved with her graduation still. Breaks my heart, she wrote you a letter and told you why she loved you and then put her new perfume on it. Yeah she is growing up and misses you still. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and the chair next to me may be empty but you will definitely be there in spirit with us. Love you....michelle

michelle gray

June 6, 2007

Steph,
I really can not believe that the trial is over. What sweet justice for you and our family to sentence the "monster" to death. How I wish it was him and not you though that was killed. He oozes evil and turns my stomach to look at him. It still and never will make ANY sense to me.
Everyone did such a wonderful job at the trial, it could not of been presented any better for you. And your brothers and sisters in blue have been there for your family and for you. They miss you too, I see and feel their pain when we are in the court room. I can only hope that by being there for us that it has helped them too.
Lan was such a pillar of strength. I know you saw it, but she definitely has your strength. Tony and your Mom did such a good job, they were so strong through out it all. It breaks my heart to know how much they hurt and miss you. Alot of your family were there, what a wonderful tribute to what a great man you are!!! EVERYONE misses you so much.
I guess I just thought that after the trial I would feel better. I am so relieved and thankful, but I wish I could bring you home. I suppose know matter what happens some things will never change. I hope that you may rest a little easier now that justice has been done in your honor. I love you.....michelle

michelle gray

May 30, 2007

Stephan,
Memorial day has passed and I remember Michelle saying that you loved to barbe-que on Memorial day weekend. I was thinking about you and the rest of the officers that have given the ultimate sacrifice. Hoping that Michelle and the kids have some peace and comfort with the memories of their beloved husband and father during this past holiday and always.
I was so glad to hear that your murderer was given the death penalty. May your rest in peace.
Michelle I am thinking about you today and always. We love you.

Denise
Family friend

May 29, 2007

Officer Stephan Gray's killer was sentenced to Death on May 22,2007.

As of today, formal sentencing will be held on June 21, 2007 at 1300 in the Colusa California county courthouse.

May 23, 2007

Stephan,
Your murderer was sentenced to death today, may you and your family now have peace and justice. We love you and miss you very much.

May 23, 2007

Stephan,

Now with the penalty phase complete and "Tao" on his way to death row, I hope you can rest. Now we just have to wait 20-25 years for the appeals for final justice.

I pray that even though Michelle said there will never be closure for her, that she can at least find peace in the recommendation by the jury.

Like I always post here, you'd be so proud of Michelle. In public she is so strong, I don't know how she does it.

Former Brother in Blue
APD

May 23, 2007

Stephan,

With the trial coming to an, I sit here trying to think of a way to put into words the emotion, dedication, perserverance and true love for you that I have witnessed from your family and friends. Testifying at your trial was hard for me and I felt nervous, and scared. Speaking at the memorial in Sacramento, I was nervous and scared. Witnessing your family speak so eloquently about there love and admiration for you, and the devestating effect your murder has had on them I realized that my feelings paled in comparison. I realized, and felt some shame for feeling any pity for myself, that I can never truly imagine what Michelle has gone through, what your children have lost. Stephan, everyone did so well. Tony misses you so much and spoke so highly of you. Your mother was so strong and proud to talk about you. I can see why you were so strong and dog gone good looking, she's a beautiful woman. And, as I'm sure you know, you're lovely wife and daughter were so impressive. Chris did a fantastic job too, and I know he really misses you a lot. He has matured quite a bit, he is a good leader and he said he followed your lead, and he was motivated by you. I have followed your lead too, but not just at work, but at home. You have made me a better father, and a better husband. I am glad that I was able to witness you with your family, especially your interaction with your kids. You are a special father, one we can all learn from.

I will be there tomorrow, and I feel in my heart that we will see justice done. The DA's office has done right by you, they did a wonderful job. I imagine that if you could see the trial, if you could hear your family, I know you are looking down with that terrific smile and you are proud...you should be proud...your time on this earth affected so many people in such a positive way. Thank you Stephan.

Your friend,

CT

Officer Colin T. Smith
Half Moon Bay PD, Former MPD

May 21, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

May 13, 2007

We are with you and yours in thought and prayer. Ever, JoJo and the Bear

John "Bear" and JoJo Medrano
Merced County S.O.

May 8, 2007

Hello Stephan,
The verdict came in and they found the monster guilty of first degree murder, guilty on all the enhancements and 2 out of 3 special circumstances to be true. I hope that you can finally have some peace Stephan. You paid the ultimate sacrifice and probably saved many others from being shot at or murdered by this monster who selfishly took you away from the family that loves you so much, friends too. But, no one can know the truth depth of pain that Michelle, your children, your mother and your siblings still face today; three years later. I look at Michelle and all that she has gone through and indeed has “soldiered” on but, her pain is still there. The girls and I were over a couple of weeks ago and I was thinking that it would be nice if we were visiting and things were as they should be you and Colin at work because by now we would have become closer friends. We were all just beginning to really get to know each other before you were taken. Our regret is that we weren’t closer friends while you were still here. Your children are so beautiful and smart. I know you look down on them and know this. We think about you, Stephan, and Michelle and the kids all the time. We can’t wait until Michelle and the kids can make a trip up to see us.
Michelle has had great support from Jackie and Chris through the trial and some police support including members of the DA’s office and DOJ. Colin spoke at the candlelight vigil this year for the annual Cal. Peace Officer’s Memorial and he wore a pair of your black dress shoes for good luck. I know you must of been there with him through his nervousness. It is a great reminder to all of us the jobs that peace officer’s do each day to protect their community and often times the most thankless one. You touched many peoples’ lives and you will never be forgotten. Thank You Stephan for all your years of service.

Denise

May 7, 2007

I can only hope that you have been granted a little peace. As I sat in that courtroom looking at your wedding ring on my hand and heard the verdict "guilty first degree murder" and guilty on all enhancements and guilty on 2 of the 3 special circumstances, I could only thank God. At least this time we won. It is so very hard, I thought somehow it would feel better. The verdict I am eternally grateful for, but its so bittersweet because it can't bring you home. Just the fact that they found premeditation to your murder is such justice.
I miss you so much and pray to God for your soul to rest.
Now we will soldier on for the penality phase for you and hopefully once again justice will be ours. I love you my angel....michelle

michelle gray
wife

May 4, 2007

The first steps of final justice have been taken. Although years of appeals are next in line, I know justice will be served. Too many people demand it. I hope you can find some peace. I think of your family often and pray for them to find some comfort.

We carry on in your honor.....

Detective Greg Yotsuya
Ceres Police Department

May 4, 2007

The jury has found your killer guilty on all counts with 2 of the 3 special circumstances. The penalty phase starts in weeks. Finally we have some justice, now we just wait for the punishment life or death.

Hope you are resting a little better now.

Former Brother in Blue
APD

May 4, 2007

We just arrived home from the California Peace Officers Memorial and you were often on our mind and in our prayers. We waited with bated breath to hear the just verdict in the case and we along with so many others stop, reflect, rejoice in knowing that God is on our side and justice has been served. Peace to you and your family.

Merrily Rapozo Wilson
spouse of James Rapozo EOW 1-9-98

May 3, 2007

Today, Justice!!! Rest in peace brother... You will not be forgotten.

Tom Melden
California highway Patrol, Los Banos

May 3, 2007

Stephan,
They just found your murder guilty on all 7 counts.
may you rest now.

May 3, 2007

We are always thinking about your beautiful family. We know
that these years have been so very hard on them. Michell is truely a gift. We know you are so proud of her! I pray
for your family everyday. Stay close to them and let them know how mush you love and miss them. Tell them you will see them again in perfect love. I know there is no heart ache where you are, let them feel your love comforting them as they walk through eachday. Though they can not see
you in our world, you can see them, watch over them and keep them close!
Michell call me if you need anything. love kathy

kathy stevenson
wife howard stevenson EOW1/9/2005

April 30, 2007

Officer Gray: Dearest Hero, Husband, Father, Son, Grandson, fine person and true friend to many...never to be forgotten.
With eternal gratitude, JoJo and John (Bear)

JoJo and John (Bear) Medrano
wife of LEO and LEO

April 27, 2007

Three years and the pain continues. Just want to let you know I am thinking about you.

Carol Espinoza, Mother of
Officer Isaac Espinoza
EOW 4/10/04

April 24, 2007

Last night was a vigil for you, your youngest two were there and I was so impressed with them. When it was time for the candles to be lit, they along with Michelle stood between your photo's and the wreath. Everyone lined up and slowly walked past, lighting their candles from your families. I hope they come to look back on that moment with the same pride that others had for them. I think Cameron was just thrilled to be holding something on fire, getting to light other people's candles must have been icing on the cake for her! Each year the ceremonny gets better, but what a tragic event to get good at. The Chief spoke eloquently as did Bimley, almost two sides to a coin. This year it was rather low key, the trial keeping it more "in-house" than last year. It's amazing what the defense has brought up in court so maybe low key was best. The trial has brought so many emotions to the surface, last night was a reminder that no matter what the results of the trial are, every year we'll be doing the same thing on April 15th: Remembering a Son, a Brother, Relative, Husband, Father, Friend, Co-worker and Partner.

106
57-16
Never Forget

April 16, 2007

Steph,
I cannot believe it has been three years since your were stolen from us. It seems like just yesterday. There was a beautiful service tonight for you. I asked tay tay last night if he wanted to come and he said yes, I was so suprised, he usually wants nothing to do with it, but I guess as you see he really is growing up into a wonderful young man, just like his daddy. He looks SO much like you now, so does Cha cha. Sometimes when I look in her eyes she tells me "to not be sad mommy, I know I have Daddys eyes." I try to hide it but sometimes all I see is your eyes in them, such beautiful warm brown eyes. I am so sad for you that you are not here for the three of them, you are such a great Dad.
The trial started Friday and it just makes me sick to sit in the same room with that monster. It should of been him, not you, but there are some things I will never understand. I am praying that justice will be done, I want you to be able to rest a little, I want to bring you some peace. Lan has your strength she sat thru the whole first horrible day in court with me. I know you are so proud of her. I sat in court and felt like I was outside myself watching a movie or something. There are days I am still in disbelief. How did we get here? This CANNOT be our lives, but it is. I will continue to have strength for you and represent you and our family to the best of my ability. Tonight when I kissed the babies good night I remembered how three years ago this very night I watched them both sleep and cried and thought "My God how do I tell them in the morning there Daddy will never come home."
My heart aches tonight as it did three years ago. I miss you.

I love you....michelle

michelle gray
wife

April 16, 2007

Tonight there was a candle light vigil for you. Your wife looked beautiful as always, as well as your children. They are very brave people as im sure you are proud of them. There was a warm wind tonight at the service, part of me wants to think it was your way of wrapping yourself in a big bear hug around all of us, and letting us know while you may be gone, you will never be forgotten.

April 15, 2007

Today is April 15th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
IT HAS BEEN 3 YEARS TODAY THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM ALL OF US and WE MISS YOU DEARLY!!

You and my husband worked together at the PD - I remember the time with the Explorer's at the training session you did with all of us. Especially with the cc and the door. You certainly received alot of joking comments on that from explorer's & officers.

Stephen, you had such an Awesome Impact on all the Explorer's- that 2 of the young men cut their hair very short in honor and rememberance of what they learned from YOU!!

Remeber sitting in the bus with your co-workers spouses.. and employees..., and as the bus drove to the location---witnessed the LOVE FOR YOU and the Loss the community felt!! People and children were standing along the route with signs and some saluted as you, Stephen, went by for One last drive down YOUR Community Streets.

YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS DAILY!!

I Pray Daily for Michelle and your children,and all family members, & Police Dept, friends that they find comfort in the memories of You.

Your brothers and sisters in blue will continue to watch over your Loved Ones.

b-45 wife

Merced Police Dept./Merced, CA /Police Officer wife (22)

April 15, 2007

Remembered today and always my friend. Rest in peace, you are a true hero.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 15, 2007