Man Pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Ambush Killing of L.A. County Deputy
The suspect in the ambush killing of a Palmdale sheriff's deputy, Kevin Cantaneo Salazar, pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity in court. Salazar, who has been charged with murder, faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted. The district attorney, George Gascón, reiterated his opposition to seeking the death penalty, stating that it does not serve as a deterrent and does not bring victims back. Salazar's family has stated that he has mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and believes his alleged actions may have been a result of mental illness. The district attorney claims to have evidence disputing the insanity claim, citing Salazar's awareness when purchasing the gun and holding a job. Salazar is being held without bail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for November.