Suspect pleads not guilty by reason of insanity in murder of LA sheriff’s deputy

The suspected gunman in the deadly capturing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder with particular instances.

Kevin Salazar, 29, used to be arrested on Monday in what government described because the “ambush” capturing of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

During his arraignment on Wednesday, Salazar’s legal professional entered a plea of not guilty and a twin plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on his behalf. He is being held with out bail and is scheduled to subsequent seem in courtroom on Nov. 7 for a initial listening to.

The 3 particular instances alleged in the fees are that the killing used to be dedicated in opposition to a peace officer, the suspect used to be mendacity in wait and the firearm used to be discharged from a motor automobile, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón stated all the way through a press briefing Wednesday, calling it a “cowardly and senseless murder.”

“The loss of any life is a tragedy. But when a sworn officer — someone who was taken an oath to protect our communities — is taken from us, it’s an assault on the very fiber of our community and civilization,” Gascón stated.

Under California law, if the defendant in an insanity protection case is located guilty, an ordeal at the factor of sanity would happen. If a jury unearths the defendant used to be insane whilst committing the crime, the defendant can be dedicated to a state medical institution or facility for remedy. If discovered sane, the defendant can be sentenced as supplied by legislation.

If convicted, Salazar faces existence in jail with out the chance of parole, Gascón stated.

Clinkunbroomer, 30, used to be on responsibility, in uniform and in his patrol automobile, when he used to be shot whilst stopped at a pink mild outdoor the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Saturday night time.

Clinkunbroomer used to be “ambushed by a coward,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated Monday.

Amid the seek for the suspect, investigators stated they had been in quest of a Toyota Corolla as a automobile of passion in the case. Sharing main points at the Corolla led investigators to the suspect and the automobile, the sheriff stated.

Salazar used to be arrested Monday morning after barricading himself within a area for a number of hours, Luna stated.

Multiple legislation enforcement assets informed ABC News Monday night time that Salazar confessed to investigators.

The cause stays unclear.

Investigators stated Wednesday they imagine Salazar bought a firearm in the weeks ahead of the capturing, however may just not say whether or not it used to be bought legally. They additionally stated they’re investigating his psychological well being historical past.

Previously, two cops briefed at the probe informed ABC News on Tuesday the gun gave the impression to had been bought legally.

Salazar’s mom informed ABC News she reported considerations over her son’s psychological well being to legislation enforcement, however it stays unclear whether or not this type of reviews would have risen to a degree that are meant to have blocked her son from having the ability to legally acquire a gun.

No different suspects are believed to be concerned, the sheriff stated.

“We’re hurting right now,” Luna stated all the way through Wednesday’s press briefing.

“We’re hoping for nothing less than the maximum punishment available under the law,” he added.

Clinkunbroomer, an eight-year veteran of the sheriff’s administrative center, used to be just lately engaged.

“Ryan was the best guy I’ve ever met,” his fiancée, Brittany Lindsey, stated via tears at Wednesday’s press briefing.

“I was so happy I was able to love him. It was not long enough,” she stated.

ABC News’ Emily Shapiro and Josh Margolin contributed to this document.