A California man has been found guilty in the drive-by ambush killing of a Los Angeles deputy. The deputy was shot at a red light near the sheriff’s Palmdale station in September 2023.
Verdict and Reactions
Jurors convicted Kevin Salazar, 32, for the murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer after a week-long trial. Attorney Brad Gage, representing Clinkunbroomer’s family, expressed that the conviction offers some solace and comfort to the family.
“It’s very helpful that the justice system prevail, that you have a conviction that is a benefit to the family,” Brad Gage stated.
The Ambush
At 6 p.m. on September 16, 2023, Clinkunbroomer approached a red light in Palmdale while in his marked vehicle. As he waited, another car drew alongside him, and he was shot in the head.
Authorities reported Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer from the sheriff’s station to the intersection with a .22 revolver. Salazar quickly left the scene, and Clinkunbroomer was declared dead at a hospital later.
Capture and Trial
Two days after the murder, authorities arrested Salazar at his family’s home following a standoff. Jurors took just 2.5 hours to convict Salazar of first-degree murder, including special circumstances of murder of a peace officer, lying in wait, and firing from a vehicle.
Insanity Defense Consideration
A motive for the murder hasn’t been clarified, according to Gage. The court will soon proceed to assess Salazar’s sanity to decide between prison or a state mental hospital as part of his insanity defense.
Community and Family Impact
The murder deeply affected the community. A memorial for Clinkunbroomer stands at the crime scene. His commitment to the family legacy in law enforcement was profound, serving as a third-generation deputy.
Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s fiancée and family were supported by Sheriff Robert Luna during a news conference following his death.
“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,” said Sheriff Luna.
Family Recourse and County Action
Following Clinkunbroomer’s death, his family sued the county, citing mandatory overtime and understaffing as factors leading to his vulnerability in the ambush. However, the lawsuit was dismissed based on workers’ compensation protections. The family chose not to pursue a civil case against Salazar.
In honor of Clinkunbroomer, Los Angeles County renamed a sports complex in his memory in January 2026.
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