California Man Convicted in Murder of Los Angeles Deputy

A California jury convicted Kevin Salazar, 32, for the drive-by shooting of Los Angeles Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer at a red light near the sheriff’s Palmdale station in 2023. The verdict followed a week-long trial.

“It’s beneficial for the family that the justice system prevailed,” Brad Gage, attorney for the Clinkunbroomer family, told Fox News Digital. “This conviction offers some solace and comfort.”

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s family has filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit against the county.

On September 16, 2023, around 6 p.m., Clinkunbroomer was stopped at a red light near the sheriff’s Palmdale station. He was in a marked car, dressed in uniform. Another vehicle pulled alongside, and a man inside shot him in the head.

Authorities reported Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer from the station before opening fire with a .22 revolver. He fled, and Clinkunbroomer was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Investigators located Salazar at his Palmdale home two days later. He was arrested after a standoff, part of which was caught on video.

Clinkunbroomer, 30, was engaged when he was murdered. “When a parent loses a child, no words can describe it,” Gage said. The jury deliberated for 2.5 hours, finding Salazar guilty of first-degree murder along with special circumstance allegations.

Despite the conviction, the motive remains unclear. “As far as we know, there was no reason,” Gage told Fox News Digital. “It was just the execution of a police officer.”

The court will now begin a sanity-deciding phase for Salazar, as he raised an insanity defense during the trial.

“This brutal murder took the life of a dedicated deputy, leaving his family and community in loss,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated.

Clinkunbroomer came from a law enforcement family. His grandfather, father, and brother all served.

“Ryan dedicated his life to service, proudly carrying on his family’s legacy,” Sheriff Robert Luna said after the verdict. “We will forever honor his service and sacrifice. He will never be forgotten.”

Following his death, the family sued the county, alleging mandatory overtime and understaffing contributed to Clinkunbroomer’s vulnerability. However, the lawsuit was dismissed due to workers’ compensation protections, and the family chose not to pursue a civil case against Salazar.

In January 2026, the county honored Clinkunbroomer by renaming a Department of Parks and Recreation sports complex after him.