LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kevin Cataneo Salazar, the 29-year-old 'schizophrenic' gunman who killed Los Angeles County Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer has pleaded not guilty due to insanity reasons.
The killing, which has been described as "ambush-style," took place on Saturday, September 16, outside the Palmdale Sheriff's Station at the corner of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q.
Can insanity plea save Kevin Salazar?
As per California law, as reported by ABC News, a trial on the sanity issue would follow a guilty verdict in an insanity defence case.
The defendant would be sent to a state hospital or facility for treatment if a jury determines that he or she was insane at the time of the crime.
If found sane, the defendant would receive the sentence prescribed by law.
During Wednesday's hearing, Salazar's attorney entered a plea of not guilty and a dual plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on Salazar's behalf.
Salazar is being held without bail and is scheduled to next appear in court on November 7 for the preliminary hearing.
Did Kevin Salazar's mother really plead for help from the police after he stopped taking meds?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has not commented on whether Salazar's mother Marle contacted them about her son's mental health, as per the publication.
Kevin Salazar's mother earlier told the Los Angeles Times that she had repeatedly requested police help. "I have called the police several times," Marle said.
But, “In the end, they would say, ‘He’s an adult, so if he doesn’t want to take [his medication], we can’t do anything,’” she revealed to the publication.
Salazar’s sister Jessica, too, said he was a schizophrenic and would hear voices in his head. She said Kevin was put under 72-hour physiatry hold multiple times.
Was Ryan Clinkunbroomer engaged?
Ryan Clinkunbroomer, an eight-year-old veteran of the sheriff’s office, was a “dedicated and hardworking” officer who had recently proposed to his sweetheart.
His family said he gave “the ultimate sacrifice” when he was killed in a surprise attack.
Clinkunbroomer, 30, was wearing his uniform and driving his patrol car when a bullet hit him at a red light near the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station on Saturday night.
The shooter was a “coward” who “ambushed” him, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna on Monday.
