Kevin Salazar Convicted in 2023 Killing of 30-Year-Old LA Deputy as Insanity Phase Begins
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Kevin Salazar Convicted in 2023 Killing of 30-Year-Old LA Deputy as Insanity Phase Begins
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Summary
Jurors took 2 1/2 hours to convict Kevin Salazar, 32, of first-degree murder in the 2023 drive-by ambush that killed Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer at a Palmdale red light.
Prosecutors said Salazar followed the marked patrol car from the sheriff's station for less than a block, then shot Clinkunbroomer in the head with a .22 revolver before fleeing; the deputy died at a hospital.
Special-circumstance findings included murder of a peace officer, lying in wait and firing from a vehicle, but the family's attorney said a motive still remains unclear.
Wednesday's next phase will determine Salazar's sanity and whether he is sent to prison or confined to a state mental hospital after raising an insanity defense.
Clinkunbroomer, 30, was a third-generation sheriff's deputy engaged to be married; his family later sued over overtime and understaffing, though the county was dismissed from that case.