Schizophrenic Suspect’s Family Claims Mental Health Caused ‘Ambush’ Shooting of LA Deputy, US

The family of a man accused of killing a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy claims that his mental health issues were the cause of the targeted shooting. Kevin Salazar, 29, allegedly shot and killed Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s station on Saturday. Salazar’s sister, Jessica Salazar, stated that her brother suffered from schizophrenia and paranoia, emphasizing that he was not in the right mental state at the time of the incident. The suspect’s mother, Marle Salazar, revealed that Kevin had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia several years ago and had stopped taking his medication about 10 months ago. She called the Sheriff’s Department multiple times when he became aggressive and refused to take his medication. It remains unclear what the motive for the shooting was, but authorities have described it as an ambush killing. Salazar was arrested following a standoff with authorities, with Sheriff Robert Luna expressing confidence that they have the right person in custody. The family acknowledges their son’s mental illness but does not justify his alleged actions. They extend their sympathies to the deputy’s family, emphasizing the pain caused by such a tragic event.