The mother of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed while he sat in his cruiser outside the station slammed the district attorney for not seeking the death penalty in her son's murder.
"People need to be punished for the crimes they commit," Kim Clinkunbroomer told KABC-TV in an interview.
Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was sitting in his patrol unit at a red light in front of the Palmdale station when he was allegedly ambushed by Kevin Salazar. According to authorities, Salazar drove up beside Clinkunbroomer's car and opened fire, killing the deputy.
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Salazar was arrested two days later, and he was charged with murder with special circumstances. He entered a plea of not guilty and a dual plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on his behalf.
District Attorney George Gascón is an opponent of the death penalty, and during a Sept. 20 press conference, he said he would not seek it in this case.
"If I thought that seeking the death penalty was going to bring Ryan back to us, I will seek it without any reservation. But it won't," he said.
If convicted, Salazar could face life in prison without parole. He is being held without bail, and his next court appearance is set for Nov. 7.
Kim Clinkunbroomer first learned of Gascón's decision not to seek the death penalty during last week's press conference.
"How dare you, on national TV, tell me you're not seeking the death penalty because it won't bring my son back," she said. "My son's not coming back, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do your job."
"You can't do this to families. We need to defend our law enforcement officers, and that's not—that's a disgrace," she said.
In response to Kim Clinkunbroomer's interview, Gascón's office released the following statement:
"We have nothing but compassion for the family of Deputy Clinkunbroomer. They are experiencing an unthinkable loss. Nothing that can happen in the criminal justice system will ever repair the harm of losing someone so beloved. He is a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. May his memory be a guiding light, reminding us of the profound sacrifices made by those who wear the badge."
Despite her conflict with the district attorney's office, Kim Clinkunbroomer said the sheriff's department has "been nothing short of spectacular" in helping her and her family deal with this tragedy. But she wishes the public would give more support to law enforcement.
"These guys risk their lives every single day for us," she said.
