PALMDALE, Calif. — Nearly three years after Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was fatally ambushed while sitting in his patrol vehicle, a jury has found the man accused of killing him guilty of first-degree murder.
Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar, 32, was convicted Tuesday in the September 2023 killing of Clinkunbroomer, a 30-year-old deputy who had recently become engaged.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, jurors reached their verdict after deliberating for approximately 2½ hours.
The panel also upheld several special allegations connected to the killing. Jurors found that Salazar lied in wait, fired from a vehicle and specifically targeted a law enforcement officer.
They also determined that he personally used a .22-caliber revolver in the shooting.
Deputy Was Attacked at a Red Light
The fatal shooting happened on September 16, 2023, shortly after Clinkunbroomer left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Palmdale Station.
7-Year-Old Boy Was Picking Out a Push Pop at Walmart When Random Man Slashed Him From Behind
Prosecutors said Salazar followed the deputy after he drove away from the station. The two vehicles traveled less than a block before Clinkunbroomer stopped at a red light.
That was when prosecutors say Salazar launched the ambush. Clinkunbroomer was alone inside his marked patrol vehicle when the gunman opened fire before speeding away.
The deputy was later discovered unconscious inside the patrol car by a passerby, who alerted personnel at the nearby sheriff’s station.
Emergency medical crews rushed Clinkunbroomer to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead.
The killing immediately triggered a major investigation as authorities searched for the person responsible for what prosecutors described as a deliberate attack on a law enforcement officer.
$250,000 Reward Helped Drive Investigation
Investigators released a description of a dark gray Toyota Corolla believed to be connected to the shooting and announced a $250,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest.
The search ended just two days after the shooting.
Authorities arrested Salazar after local residents provided information that helped investigators identify him. Sheriff Robert Luna later said investigators recovered several weapons and the vehicle from Salazar’s home.
The case then moved through the court system for nearly three years before the jury finally reached its verdict.
For Clinkunbroomer’s family and fellow deputies, the conviction represents a major development in a case that had remained a painful reminder of the deputy’s death.
Prosecutors Call Killing Brutal and Senseless
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the verdict could bring some measure of healing to the deputy’s loved ones.
“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.
He added that while the case is not yet completely resolved, the guilty verdict represents an important step toward justice and accountability.
Hochman also praised prosecutors who handled the case and continued working on behalf of Clinkunbroomer’s family.
Sheriff Robert Luna similarly said that while nothing could bring the deputy back, he hoped the verdict would provide some sense of peace and closure.
Sanity Phase Will Determine What Happens Next
Although Salazar has now been convicted, his legal case is not over.
Salazar previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, meaning the proceedings will now move into a separate sanity phase, scheduled to begin Wednesday.
That proceeding will determine whether Salazar is ultimately committed to state prison or a state hospital. The next phase will therefore play a major role in determining what happens to the convicted killer following the murder verdict.
Ryan Clinkunbroomer Remembered by Sheriff’s Department
Clinkunbroomer had served for eight years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and came from a family with a long history in the agency. He was a third-generation member of the Sheriff’s Department.
His death deeply affected his family, colleagues and fellow deputies, particularly because he was still so young and had recently become engaged.
Luna said those close to Clinkunbroomer 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 added that Clinkunbroomer will never be forgotten.
The conviction closes one major chapter in the case, but the upcoming sanity phase will determine the next step for Salazar as the justice process continues.
What do you think about the jury’s verdict in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments.