Kevin Salazar Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Ambush Killing of LA Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer

A Los Angeles jury convicted Kevin Salazar in under 2.5 hours for the 2023 ambush shooting of Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer at a red light near Palmdale Station.

Jury Convicts Salazar in Ambush Shooting of LA County Sheriff's Deputy

A Los Angeles County jury found Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar, 32, guilty of first-degree murder Tuesday for the September 2023 killing of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, prosecutors announced. According to Law & Crime, jurors deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before returning the verdict.

The panel also upheld a series of special allegations — that Salazar lay in wait, fired from a vehicle, and deliberately targeted a law enforcement officer. Jurors further found that he personally used a .22-caliber revolver to carry out the shooting.

The Ambush Near Palmdale Station

On Sept. 16, 2023, Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer after the deputy departed the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Palmdale Station. Less than a block away, Salazar opened fire on the 30-year-old deputy, who was seated alone in his marked patrol car stopped at a red light, then sped away.

A passerby later found Clinkunbroomer unconscious inside the vehicle and notified personnel at the nearby station. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Intensive Manhunt and Arrest

The killing set off an intensive search for the gunman. Investigators released a description of a dark gray Toyota Corolla believed to be linked to the shooting and announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Two days after the murder, local residents provided tips that helped investigators identify Salazar. Authorities arrested him and, at his home, recovered several weapons along with the vehicle.

DA and Sheriff Respond to Verdict

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman issued a statement following the verdict.

"This brutal and senseless murder took the life of a dedicated deputy, leaving his family, colleagues and community to endure an unimaginable loss," Hochman said. "We hope today's guilty verdict brings a measure of healing to Deputy Clinkunbroomer's family and loved ones."

Sheriff Robert Luna echoed that sentiment, noting that Clinkunbroomer's family, colleagues, and fellow deputies had remained committed to seeing the case through.

"While nothing can bring Ryan back to his family, his loved ones or our department family, we hope this verdict brings a sense of peace and closure to those who loved him and served alongside him," Luna said. "He will never be forgotten."

Sanity Phase to Follow

The guilty verdict does not fully resolve Salazar's case. Because he entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, the trial proceeds to a sanity phase scheduled to begin Wednesday. That phase will determine whether Salazar is committed to state prison or a state hospital.

About the Victim

Clinkunbroomer was an eight-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department and a third-generation member of the agency. He had recently become engaged at the time of his death. The case drew widespread attention across law enforcement communities in Southern California, and his family had remained present throughout the proceedings.

Source: Law & Crime