Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has announced that he will not seek the death penalty for Kevin Salazar, the man accused of murdering L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. The decision has left Clinkunbroomer’s family in a state of shock, with Kim Clinkunbroomer expressing her disappointment in an interview with “Good Morning America.”
Salazar, 29, allegedly shot Deputy Clinkunbroomer in a random ambush on September 16 near the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. He was arrested two days later after a standoff at his Palmdale home. Salazar’s family has stated that he suffers from mental health issues.
During a news conference last Wednesday, Gascón, along with L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna, announced murder charges against Salazar. Gascón defended his decision not to pursue the death penalty, stating that it does not serve as a deterrent and does not bring victims back.
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order placing a moratorium on the death penalty in California, citing its failure as a system and its discriminatory nature.
Salazar has reportedly confessed to killing Deputy Clinkunbroomer, making the case seemingly straightforward. However, Clinkunbroomer’s mother believes that the trial should not even be necessary and calls for change in the state’s approach to the death penalty.
