GALVESTON — A Galveston County jury sentenced a San Antonio man to 28 years in prison Thursday after convicting him of murder in the 2025 shooting death of his brother-in-law at a Kemah short-term rental.
James Nathan Malo, 41, was convicted of murder in the death of Richard Samora and aggravated assault in the shooting of Richard’s brother, Roland Samora, according to the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
The jury sentenced Malo to 28 years in prison for murder and 10 years for aggravated assault. He was also assessed a $7,500 fine.
The shootings occurred in October 2025 after family members gathered for a weekend of fishing at a short-term rental in Kemah.
Testimony during the trial showed a verbal argument developed between Richard and Roland Samora and their sister, who was Malo’s wife. Malo subsequently locked the brothers out of the residence, according to prosecutors.
Jurors were shown exterior surveillance video that prosecutors said captured Malo going to his vehicle to retrieve a gun approximately 10 minutes before the shootings.
The brothers could later be seen knocking on doors as they attempted to get back inside to retrieve their belongings and leave, according to testimony described by the DA’s office.
At the back door, Richard Samora could be heard questioning Malo about the gun shortly before Malo fired through a glass door, striking both brothers as they stood outside, prosecutors said.
Richard Samora was killed. Roland Samora survived and testified during the trial.
Surveillance video also showed Malo leaving the residence after the shootings and being confronted by an off-duty federal law enforcement officer who had been staying at a neighboring short-term rental. The officer held Malo at gunpoint until Kemah police arrived, according to the DA’s office.
During a recorded interview with Kemah Detective Alonzo Soza, prosecutors said Malo acknowledged he did not believe the brothers were going to physically harm anyone.
Trial testimony began Tuesday. Chief Assistant District Attorney Quinten McConico and Assistant District Attorney Brianna Stark presented testimony from responding officers, family members who witnessed the shooting, the neighboring federal officer and Soza, who served as the lead detective.
Prosecutors argued Malo had no reason to fear either man.
After approximately two days of testimony, jurors began deliberations Wednesday afternoon and returned guilty verdicts Thursday morning.
During the punishment phase, jurors also heard evidence that Malo had previously been placed on probation in Bexar County for strangling a former girlfriend.
The jury ultimately sentenced Malo to 28 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for murder and 10 years for aggravated assault.
The case was prosecuted in the 212th Judicial District Court with visiting Judge Wayne J. Mallia presiding.
The DA’s office credited the Kemah Police Department, FBI and Galveston County Sheriff’s Office for their work and assistance in the investigation.
