A 29-year-old man accused in the ambush killing a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity during his arraignment Wednesday.
Kevin Cataneo Salazar was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances in the killing of deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, who was shot in the head while sitting in a marked patrol car Saturday in outside the sheriff's office in Palmdale, California, north of Los Angeles County.
His attorney, George Rosenstock, entered a dual plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity on his behalf during the arraignment. A motive for the shooting has not been determined.
Cataneo Salazar, who was arrested Monday after an hourslong standoff with sheriff’s deputies after barricading himself inside his family’s Palmdale home, remains held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility and is scheduled to return to court Nov. 7 for a preliminary hearing.
His mother, Marle Salazar, told The Los Angeles Times on Wednesday her son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia about five years ago and the family had struggled with his illness for years. She said her son attempted suicide at least twice and was hospitalized on at least two occasions because of mental health crises.
She said she and the rest of her family were not aware Cataneo Salazar had legally purchased a firearm but told the Times she was told by detectives he legally purchased the weapon used in the attack. It was not known when he bought the firearm.
California hospitals are required to report admittance for mental health crises to the state Department of Justice, the Times reported, and such 5150 holds trigger a five-year ban on purchasing or owning firearms. A second 5150 hold within a year bans a person for life.
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
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