Palmdale man to stand trial in shooting death of Los Angeles County deputy

A man accused of fatally shooting a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy last year in Palmdale will be tried on suspicion of murder, a judge ordered during a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Kevin Cataneo Salazar, 29, admitted to killing Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in September, according to law enforcement sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.

Cataneo Salazar allegedly shot Clinkunbroomer in the back of the head while the two men were in their vehicles at a red light near the sheriff's station in Palmdale.

He was charged last year with one count of murder with special circumstances of lying in wait, shooting from a car and personal use of a firearm, according to the criminal complaint. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Police identified Cataneo Salazar as the main suspect 36 hours after the murder, when community members provided information about a vehicle of interest. The vehicle led deputies to his home on the east side of Palmdale.

Cataneo Salazar was taken into custody after a confrontation lasting several hours with the police, during which he barricaded himself inside his home.

His mother had previously told the Times that her son hears voices and has been hospitalized twice for mental health issues. Experts say California laws should have barred him from purchasing a gun.

Clinkunbroomer, 30, had recently become engaged. Cataneo Salazar will appear in court for his arraignment on June 27.