In a heartbreaking interview with ABC News, Kim Clinkunbroomer, the mother of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who was tragically shot and killed in Palmdale earlier this month, expressed her outrage at the decision by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to not pursue the death penalty for the shooting suspect.
Referring to the decision as a “disgrace,” Clinkunbroomer stated, “It just seems that the district attorney wants to spare a life, when (the suspect) didn’t spare my son’s life — he executed my son.” She firmly believes that more needs to be done to defend law enforcement officers.
Gascón, who opposes the death penalty, defended his position in a news conference, stating that it does not serve as a deterrent and does not bring back the victims. Instead, he plans to seek a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the suspect.
The suspect, Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar, has been charged with capital murder for the shooting and pleaded not guilty due to insanity during a recent arraignment hearing. Salazar’s family claims he has a history of mental illness and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
While the murder charge against Salazar includes special circumstance allegations that typically could lead to the death penalty, Gascón’s opposition means that if convicted, Salazar will face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Kim Clinkunbroomer, who was present at Gascón’s news conference, expressed her frustration and disappointment with his decision, calling for change and emphasizing the need for individuals to be held accountable for their crimes.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether Salazar will be determined to have been insane at the time of the killing, which could result in confinement to a state hospital rather than prison.
It is worth noting that California Governor Gavin Newsom has implemented a moratorium on the death penalty. The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office expressed its condolences to the Clinkunbroomer family, acknowledging the deep loss they are experiencing and the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers.
Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a 30-year-old deputy who was engaged to be married, was shot and killed while sitting in his patrol car at a traffic light near the sheriff’s Palmdale station. His fiancée, Brittany Lindsey, described him as a loving partner who would have made a great husband and father.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
