California Man Convicted in Los Angeles Deputy Murder Case

A man from California has been convicted in the drive-by shooting of a Los Angeles deputy at a red light near the sheriff’s Palmdale station in 2023. Kevin Salazar, 32, was found guilty of murdering Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer after a trial lasting a week.

Conviction Provides Solace

Attorney Brad Gage, representing the Clinkunbroomer family, stated the conviction offers some comfort to the family. The justice system working in this case helps in providing a sense of solace.

It’s very helpful that the justice system prevail, that you have a conviction that is a benefit to the family. That gives some solace. That gives some comfort. – Brad Gage

The Incident

On September 16, 2023, Clinkunbroomer was at a red light in his marked vehicle, wearing his uniform, when another car approached. A man from inside shot him in the head. Authorities revealed that Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station to the light, then fired a .22 revolver.

Salazar fled, and Clinkunbroomer was declared dead at a hospital. Two days later, authorities arrested Salazar at his home after a standoff captured on video.

Trial Result and Impact

The jury reached their decision in two and a half hours, finding Salazar guilty of first-degree murder. He was also found guilty of special circumstances: murdering a peace officer, waiting to attack, and shooting from a vehicle.

The motive remains unknown, according to the family’s lawyer. Gage noted it seemed like an unprovoked killing of a police officer.

Sanity and Memorials

The court will soon decide on Salazar’s mental sanity. This phase will determine if he goes to prison or a state mental hospital, as he raised an insanity defense.

A memorial grew at the site of the shooting near the Sheriff’s station. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed that the murder has deeply affected the community but hopes the guilty verdict aids in healing. Ryan Clinkunbroomer, who served as a third-generation officer, dedicated his life to law enforcement.

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

Family Lawsuit and Legacy

Following the tragedy, the family filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit against the county. They alleged that understaffing and mandatory overtime caused Clinkunbroomer to be more susceptible to the attack.

Though the county was dismissed from the lawsuit due to workers’ compensation rules, the family chose not to pursue further action against Salazar. The county honored Clinkunbroomer by renaming a sports complex after him in 2026.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna highlighted the deputy’s commitment to serve the community, noting that Ryan Clinkunbroomer will be remembered for his duty and sacrifice.