Salazar Trial Opens Amid Mental Health Claims | California News

The trial for Kevin Salazar, accused of ambushing and killing 30-year-old Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer outside a Palmdale Sheriff’s Station in September 2023, kicks off Monday with opening statements. Salazar, 32, allegedly confessed to the ambush-style shooting — a senseless act that shattered a fourth-generation law enforcement family. Charged with murder with special circumstances including lying in wait and killing a peace officer, Salazar entered not guilty pleas — and one by reason of insanity. His family blames schizophrenia and paranoia, saying they sought help. The DA seeks life in prison, but the deputy’s father laments the death penalty wasn’t pursued, arguing taxpayers still pay for the killer. Complicating matters, the Clinkunbroomer family plans to sue LA County over overtime policies allegedly putting officers at risk — a civil suit later stripped of LA County as a defendant. If convicted and found sane, Salazar faces life; if deemed insane, he’ll be committed to a state mental hospital. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b02b2aab71c50bda