The man suspected in the tragic killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in Palmdale has been formally charged with murder. The defendant, identified as Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar, 29, appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Salazar was shackled at the hands and appeared to be wearing a bullet-proof vest during the arraignment hearing. The judge entered dual pleas on his behalf, stating not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. Salazar is scheduled to appear in court again on November 7. He is currently held without bail at the Twin Towers jail in downtown Los Angeles.
Salazar is facing multiple special circumstance allegations in addition to the murder charge, including murder of a peace officer, lying in wait, firing from a vehicle, and personal use of a firearm. The use of special circumstances allegations typically carries the possibility of a death sentence. However, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, an opponent of the death penalty, has stated that Salazar will instead face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if convicted. Gascón emphasized that the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent and does not bring victims back.
If it is determined that Salazar was insane at the time of the killing and he is convicted, he will be confined to a state hospital instead of a prison. Salazar was arrested on Monday morning after a standoff with law enforcement that followed a manhunt which began after the deputy’s killing.
Reports suggest that Salazar has confessed to the crime. However, his family maintains that he is mentally ill and not in the right state of mind. Salazar’s mother and sister revealed that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been experiencing paranoia and hearing voices. They expressed sympathy for the victim’s family, while also highlighting the importance of seeking appropriate help for individuals with mental illness. They called for Salazar to be treated accordingly and pleaded for understanding.
Sheriff Robert Luna referred to Salazar as a “coward” during a news conference, but Salazar’s family insists that his actions were driven by his mental illness. The investigation is still ongoing, and a possible motive for the killing has not been determined.
Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a third-generation deputy who was recently engaged, was fatally shot while sitting in his patrol car at a traffic light near the Palmdale station. A dark-colored sedan pulled up behind the patrol vehicle, paused, and then drove away. A good Samaritan rendered aid before Clinkunbroomer was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following his arrest, Salazar was brought into custody and firearms were recovered. It was reported that Salazar legally purchased a firearm, although it remains unclear how someone with a mental illness was able to do so.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s fiancée expressed gratitude to the officers involved in the investigation and thanked those who provided information leading to the suspect’s arrest. She described Clinkunbroomer as a caring and thoughtful individual and emphasized that he will be deeply missed.
Citizens with any information related to the shooting have been urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers. Funeral services for Clinkunbroomer will be announced at a later date.
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