A Los Angeles County jury today found that Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar, 32, was legally sane when he killed Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in September 2023, rejecting Salazar’s not guilty by reason of insanity defense.
“Today, a jury has made clear that the defendant must be held accountable for the violence that took Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s life,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I thank the jury and Deputy District Attorneys Michael Blake and David Ayvazian for delivering justice and ensuring that the defendant answers for the devastating outcome of his actions. We hope that this verdict brings a sense that Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s life is remembered, valued and honored through the pursuit of justice.”Read more...
The District Attorney’s Office has made combating hate crimes a priority through aggressive prosecution, community outreach and close collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The Office continues to encourage victims and witnesses to report hate crimes so perpetrators can be held accountable.Read more...
The speeding driver who struck on-duty Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Shiou Lih Deng and stranded motorist Jesús Arturo Garcia on the 405 Freeway last year has been charged with murder in the deaths of both men. Sgt. Deng was 53 years old and had served the LAPD for over 26 years.
“This case is a tragic reminder that police officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “I extend my deepest condolences to Sgt. Deng and Mr. Garcia’s family and loved ones. Sgt. Deng spent half his life serving the public with bravery and selflessness as an LAPD officer. His death is a profound loss to the LAPD community and Los Angeles. Mr. Garcia, only 34 years old, was devoted to his family and, like all Angelenos, deserved to make it home safely after a long shift at work. I want to emphasize that speeding kills. If you drive over 100 mph and kill someone, you are on a fast-track to a murder charge. I thank the California Highway Patrol for their thorough and diligent work in bringing justice to the families.”Read more...
As Independence Day approaches, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is reminding residents of the devastating consequences of illegal fireworks and explosives, including the Office’s commitment to prosecute those who transport, sell and use these lethal devices.
“Far too often, we have seen the destruction and deadly consequences of explosive devices that are illegally transported across state lines, sold in our communities and set off resulting in catastrophic explosions often killing innocent bystanders,” District Attorney Hochman said. “As Independence Day approaches, I want to remind our communities that celebrations with illegal fireworks and explosives are not harmless entertainment; these devices can kill people, causing devastating injuries and destroying entire neighborhoods. Recent tragedies in Los Angeles County are heartbreaking reminders of what can happen when these dangerous explosives are set off. To anyone who manufactures, supplies, distributes, stores or sells illegal fireworks: You are breaking the law, and my office stands ready to aggressively hold you accountable.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today announced felony state tax evasion charges against comedian Carlos Mencia for failing to report $8.7 million in personal and corporate income taxes between tax years 2019-2024. This is the first case filed by the Office’s newly established Business Tax Fraud Unit.
“Mr. Mencia has an income most people can only dream of, and like everyone else he is required to file his personal and corporate tax returns and pay his fair share,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Failing to report millions of dollars in income is a slap in the face to hardworking Californians who diligently file and pay their taxes every year because they care about their communities and the public goods, like police, fire, roads, and utilities, their tax dollars provide. Today we are sending a message to the tax scofflaws that it is no longer business as usual in Los Angeles County – the days of a free pass for failing to file returns and pay taxes are over.”Read more...
