Man Pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Ambush Murder of LA Sheriff’s Deputy
In a shocking turn of events, the man charged with the ambush murder of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Kevin Cataneo Salazar, 29, stands accused of fatally shooting Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, while he sat in his patrol car in Palmdale on Saturday. The incident has left the community in mourning and searching for answers.
During Wednesday’s arraignment, Cataneo Salazar’s attorney, George Rosenstock, entered the plea on his behalf. The defendant faces a single count of murder with special circumstances. This tragic event unfolded after an hourslong standoff with sheriff’s deputies, resulting in Cataneo Salazar’s arrest at his family’s Palmdale home on Monday. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again in November.
Prosecutors have yet to provide a motive for the killing or establish any prior connection between Clinkunbroomer and Cataneo Salazar. However, the suspect’s mother, Marle Salazar, revealed that her son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia about five years ago. She shared how he often claimed to hear voices and believed he was being followed by cars or people. Cataneo Salazar had previously attempted suicide on two occasions, according to his mother.
Marle Salazar also expressed her belief in her son’s mental illness, stating, My son is mentally ill, and if he did something, he wasn’t in his full mental capacity. She revealed that she was unaware of her son owning a gun, but detectives informed her that he had legally purchased the weapon used in the attack. It remains unclear when Cataneo Salazar bought the firearm. The suspect had been hospitalized within the past year, although it is uncertain if he sought treatment voluntarily or was involuntarily committed. The mother further explained that she had called deputies in the past when her son refused to take his medication and became aggressive towards himself. She emphasized that he had never hurt anyone else before, and his aggression was always self-directed.
As this devastating case unfolds, the community grapples with the loss of Deputy Clinkunbroomer. The plea of not guilty by reason of insanity raises questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. The court proceedings will inevitably focus on determining Cataneo Salazar’s state of mind during the incident and whether he should be held fully accountable for his actions.
It is a tragedy that mental health struggles have once again intersected with violence, resulting in the loss of a dedicated law enforcement officer. The case shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals suffering from mental illnesses and raises important questions about access to treatment and support systems. As the legal process continues, it is essential that a fair and thorough examination of the facts occurs, ensuring justice for all parties involved.
