A man accused of fatally shooting a Los Angeles County deputy in Palmdale last year will stand trial on suspicion of murder, a judge ordered at a preliminary hearing Thursday.
Kevin Cataneo Salazar, 29, admitted to killing Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in September, according to law enforcement sources. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the findings.
Cataneo Salazar allegedly shot Clinkunbroomer in the back of the head at a traffic light near the Sheriff’s Palmdale Station.
He was charged last year with one count of murder with special circumstances including lying in wait, discharging a firearm from a vehicle and personal use of a firearm, according to the criminal complaint. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Thirty-six hours after the homicide, community members provided information about a vehicle of interest, and deputies identified Cataneo Salazar as the primary suspect. The vehicle took deputies to his home on Palmdale’s east side.
Cataneo Salazar was taken into custody after an hour-long standoff with law enforcement, during which he locked himself inside his home.
His mother previously told The Times Her son could hear voices and was hospitalized twice with mental health crises. Experts say California law should prohibit him from purchasing a gun.
Clinkunbroomer, 30, recently got engaged. Cataneo Salazar will appear in court on June 27.
