Cristian Alexander Zamora, Murder on Federal Land, Texas 2013

Two El Salvadorans Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

HOUSTON – In a brutal and heinous crime, two men have been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for their roles in the murder of a 16-year-old male victim on federal land in the Sam Houston National Forest in 2013.

Cristian Alexander Zamora, 24, and Ricardo Leonel Campos Lara, 20, both of El Salvador, were residing in Huntsville and Houston, respectively, at the time of the crime. According to court documents, Zamora and Lara admitted to taking part in the murder, striking the victim with a baseball bat and a machete multiple times after receiving an order from MS-13 members to kill the teenager.

The victim was taken to the forest where he was brutally struck with a bat and machete to the point of near decapitation. The heinous nature of the crime was noted by U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein during sentencing, who handed both Zamora and Lara 420-month sentences, each followed by five years of supervised release. They were further ordered to pay $13,092.42 in restitution.

‘The willful and deliberate crime committed by the defendants is a stark reminder of the brutal and savage nature of gang violence,’ Judge Werlein stated during sentencing. ‘Today’s sentencing is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies who worked together to bring these perpetrators to justice.’

The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI, Houston Police Department, Texas Rangers, and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Chief Mark E. Donnelly and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey MacDonald are prosecuting the case.

Zamora and Lara will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Their admission of guilt and subsequent sentencing serve as a reminder of the consequences of committing heinous crimes on federal land.

The Sam Houston National Forest, a 220,000-acre forest in southeastern Texas, is a federal protected area where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and alligators.

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