A tragic incident unfolded in Dallas, Texas, where a 66-year-old man lost his life during what was supposed to be a simple transaction on Facebook Marketplace. The Dallas Police Department has charged 19-year-old Amaya Medrano with capital murder in connection with the shooting.
Authorities reported that on November 8, 2024, at around 3 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at a gas station on South Marsalis Avenue in the Oak Cliff area. The victim, identified as Ahmad Alkhalaf, was found unresponsive next to his pickup truck. Dallas Fire-Rescue transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to investigators, Alkhalaf had arranged to sell an iPhone 15 through Facebook Marketplace. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the moments leading up to the fatal shooting, showing a brief interaction between Alkhalaf and the suspect before Medrano turned and shot him. She fled the scene immediately after.
In a press release on November 13, police announced Medrano’s arrest. Her identity was confirmed through her distinct facial and neck tattoos. Authorities tracked her down after discovering the stolen phone listed for sale on the same Facebook account used to arrange the original meeting.
Court records reveal that Medrano was on probation at the time of the incident, having pleaded guilty to a 2023 stabbing that resulted in a five-year probation sentence.
Medrano is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The Dallas Police Department continues to investigate the case and has urged anyone with additional information to contact them at 214-671-4095.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of online transactions. Authorities advise individuals to meet buyers or sellers in well-lit, public places, ideally with surveillance cameras, to ensure personal safety.
