GALVESTON, TEXAS – A Galveston police officer who shot and killed 47-year-old Randy Martin during a traffic stop in May will not face criminal charges. A Galveston County grand jury declined to indict Officer Joshua Nino De Guzman, and officials have since released dashcam video of the shooting. Police confirmed Martin was unarmed, and reports say the officer fired eight shots during a struggle. Martin’s family says it will keep pushing for accountability.
Traffic Stop Near Avenue O and 55th Street Turns Deadly
The stop happened on May 18 near Avenue O and 55th Street. De Guzman said he saw Martin’s car leave an alley police were watching for possible drug sales and then roll through several stop signs. Dashcam timestamps show the stop took place in the afternoon.
Martin questioned why he was pulled over and insisted he had stopped at the signs. Video released so far does not show him running a stop sign, according to reports. The officer then asked Martin to place his hands on the vehicle for a pat-down.
Struggle During Pat-Down Ends With Martin Shot Multiple Times
Police Chief Doug Balli said the stop escalated into a physical struggle after the pat-down request. During the struggle, De Guzman fired his weapon and struck Martin multiple times. The Texas Rangers investigated the shooting.
A passenger in the car told an investigator that Martin fought with the officer and tried to get back into the vehicle to put down drugs he had. She said she heard the officer order him to stop before the shots were fired. That account has not been independently verified.
Police Confirm Martin Was Unarmed as Grand Jury Declines Charges
Officers gave first aid until Galveston EMS took Martin to the UTMB Emergency Department, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger was also taken to the emergency room, and De Guzman was not injured.
Balli confirmed the department found no evidence Martin had a gun. Galveston County Criminal District Attorney Kenneth Cusick presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a no-bill clearing the officer. Officials released the dashcam video after the grand jury decision.
Family Seeks Justice as Officer Moved to Non-Patrol Duties
De Guzman, who had been with the department for about two and a half years, remains employed but has been reassigned to the department’s Support Services Bureau for non-patrol work. He had been involved in two earlier police shootings and was cleared in both, according to the department.
Martin’s mother, Paula Martin, said she learned of her son’s death through the media and rejects the idea that the shooting was justified. Civil rights attorney Alberto Ruiz said the no-bill does not settle whether the city faces civil liability, and an internal affairs investigation continues.
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