A California man has been sentenced to more than 200 years in prison for the killing of a 59-year-old man whose body was later found buried in a shallow grave in San Diego County, prosecutors said.
Kenneth McNally Jr., 42, was sentenced Tuesday in San Diego County Superior Court to 216 years to life in prison following his conviction on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Case
The victim, Samuel Holthaus, was killed in September 2023 in the El Cajon area. Prosecutors described the crime as unusually violent and said the evidence showed Holthaus was shot and then dragged more than 300 feet with an electrical cord tied around his neck.
At the time of the killing, McNally was on probation in an unrelated case involving an attack on a dog with an axe. Authorities said he had been staying intermittently at trailers in the area where the crime occurred.
In the days leading up to the killing, witnesses reported seeing McNally acting aggressively and demanding rides from people on the property while appearing to conceal a weapon under his jacket.
Investigation
More than a year after the crime, a witness told investigators they saw McNally shoot Holthaus before tying an electrical cord around his neck. The cord was then attached to a truck, and Holthaus was dragged approximately 329 feet to a shallow grave, prosecutors said.
Other witnesses later reported discovering Holthaus’ body partially buried, with his head visible above the ground and the electrical cord still around his neck.
Investigators found blood inside Holthaus’ truck and markings consistent with a body being dragged from the vehicle. Authorities also discovered coagulated blood and burned debris near the scene, according to prosecutors.
Prior Conduct
The District Attorney’s Office said McNally had allegedly assaulted several other residents in the area in the days before the killing. Those incidents were part of the broader investigation into his actions leading up to Holthaus’ death.
McNally was ultimately charged with multiple offenses tied to the killing and related acts of violence.
Charges
McNally was convicted of the following charges:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| First-degree murder | Killing of Samuel Holthaus |
| Assault with a firearm | Two counts |
| Shooting at an occupied vehicle | One count |
| Assault causing great bodily injury | One count |
The court imposed consecutive sentences on several of the counts, resulting in the lengthy prison term.
Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, Holthaus’ sister addressed the court and described her brother as a generous person who regularly helped others, including preparing food for people experiencing homelessness.
She spoke directly to McNally, condemning his actions and urging the court to ensure he would never be able to harm anyone again.
The judge ultimately sentenced McNally to 216 years to life in state prison, citing the severity of the crimes and the risk he posed to the public.
Outcome
Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the extreme violence involved in the case and brings accountability for Holthaus’ death. McNally will remain in state custody for the remainder of his life unless future legal proceedings alter the sentence.
FAQs
Who was sentenced in the case?
Kenneth McNally Jr., 42, was sentenced.
Who was the victim?
The victim was 59-year-old Samuel Holthaus.
Where did the crime occur?
In the El Cajon area of San Diego County.
How long was the prison sentence?
McNally received 216 years to life.
What charges led to the sentence?
First-degree murder and multiple assault-related charges.
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