Man found guilty in 2023 ambush-style killing of LASD deputy in Palmdale...

Man found guilty in 2023 ambush-style killing of LASD deputy in Palmdale

A Los Angeles County jury found Kevin Salazar, 32, guilty of murder Monday in the 2023 ambush-style killing of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in Palmdale.

Clinkunbroomer, 30, was fatally shot on Sept. 16, 2023, while on duty near the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. He was found shot and unconscious inside his patrol vehicle by a passerby. The deputy had become engaged just four days before his death.

Prosecutors said Salazar pulled alongside Clinkunbroomer while the deputy was stopped at a red light and opened fire with a .22-caliber revolver. Salazar was arrested outside his Palmdale home two days later.

On Monday, jurors determined that Salazar intentionally killed Clinkunbroomer and also found him guilty of special circumstance allegations, including lying in wait, murder of a peace officer and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

Salazar previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

The case now moves into its next phase. Jurors are scheduled to return to court Wednesday to determine whether Salazar was legally sane at the time of the killing.