A jury has convicted Kevin Salazar, 32, for the murder of Los Angeles Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. The conviction comes after a drive-by shooting at a Palmdale intersection near the sheriff’s station.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the jury took only 2.5 hours to reach a verdict. Salazar was found guilty of first-degree murder, with added charges related to targeting a peace officer, lying in wait, and shooting from a vehicle.
On September 16, 2023, Deputy Clinkunbroomer was at a red light when Salazar, in a separate vehicle, shot and killed him. Authorities noted that Salazar followed the deputy from the station before firing using a .22 caliber revolver. Clinkunbroomer, wearing his uniform and in a marked car, was later declared dead at the hospital.
The family’s attorney, Brad Gage, shared that although the conviction provides some solace, the pain remains profound. “When a parent loses a child, words cannot describe the devastation,” he stated.
Following the crime, police arrested Salazar at his Palmdale home after a standoff, partly captured on video. Despite Salazar’s conviction, his motive remains unknown, leaving questions for Clinkunbroomer’s family.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed hope that the guilty verdict offers some healing to Clinkunbroomer’s family and colleagues, who have suffered a tremendous loss.
Clinkunbroomer, 30, from a family with a history in law enforcement, was engaged to be married. Sheriff Robert Luna commented, “Ryan dedicated his life to service, proudly carrying on his family’s legacy.” He emphasized that Clinkunbroomer will be remembered for his dedication and sacrifice.
The court will soon decide on Salazar’s mental state to determine whether he faces prison or a mental health facility, following an insanity defense claim. Meanwhile, the family of Clinkunbroomer filed, then withdrew, a wrongful death lawsuit against the county due to workers’ compensation laws.
Honoring Deputy Clinkunbroomer, the county named a sports complex after him in January 2026. His dedication to service and sacrifice is being commemorated by his community and loved ones.