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Guilty Verdict in Deputy Ambush Shooting
24 Aug
Summary
- Kevin Salazar was found guilty of murdering Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
- The shooting occurred in Palmdale in September 2023.
- Salazar faced special circumstance allegations including murder of a peace officer.

Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar was convicted of murder on Monday for the September 16, 2023, ambush shooting of Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. The verdict was delivered in court, finding Salazar guilty of intentionally killing the deputy.
Jurors determined that Salazar knew Deputy Clinkunbroomer was a peace officer. The conviction includes special circumstance allegations of murder of a peace officer, lying in wait, and firing from a vehicle. He was also found guilty of personally using and discharging a .22-caliber revolver.
The shooting occurred while Deputy Clinkunbroomer was stopped at a red light near the Palmdale sheriff's station. Salazar, a Palmdale resident, had previously pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.
He faces a potential sentence of life in prison if deemed sane at the time of the crime. If found insane, he would be confined to a state hospital.