August 24, 2026: Man Convicted of 2023 Murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in Palmdale

Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity; sanity phase to begin Wednesday

LOS ANGELES - A 32-year-old man was found guilty today of fatally shooting Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in broad daylight three years ago in Palmdale.

"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," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. "While the trial now moves to the sanity phase, this verdict is an important step toward justice and accountability. I am deeply grateful to our Crimes Against Peace Officers prosecutors for their tireless work on this case and their continued commitment to Deputy Clinkunbroomer, his family and all those who loved him."

"For nearly three years, we have stood firmly with Ryan Clinkunbroomer's family and with the dedicated men and women of our Palmdale Sheriff's Station. Throughout this time, we have remained steadfast in supporting this investigation and doing everything we can to assist the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in pursing justice and holding this individual accountable for the ambush murder of Ryan," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. "Today's guilty verdict delivers that justice and accountability. 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. Ryan dedicated his life to service, proudly carrying on his family's legacy as a third-generation member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. We will forever honor his service, his sacrifice and the badge he proudly wore. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer will never be forgotten."

Jurors deliberated for about 2 ½ hours before finding Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar (dob 7/6/94) guilty of first-degree murder and found true the special circumstance allegations of murder of a peace officer, lying in wait and firing from a vehicle. The panel also found true the special allegation that Salazar personally used a .22-caliber revolver to commit the crime.

Salazar pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The sanity phase of the trial will begin Wednesday in Department 101 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center and will determine whether the defendant will be committed to state prison or state hospital.

On Sept. 16, 2023, Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer, who was on duty, in his vehicle as the deputy left the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Palmdale Station.

Less than a block away from the station, Salazar ambushed and fatally shot Clinkunbroomer then sped away. Clinkunbroomer was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died.

Salazar was arrested two days later after an intensive search to find him.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Michael Blake and David Ayvazian of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division and investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.