DALLAS, TX – In the heart of Dallas, a routine phone sale turned deadly, leaving a family shattered and a community on edge. A 19-year-old woman is now facing capital murder charges after allegedly shooting a 66-year-old man during a transaction arranged on Facebook Marketplace.
The victim, Ahmad Al-Khalaf, was described by his family as a cherished patriarch. He was shot in broad daylight near an elementary school, a grim reminder of the potential dangers of online exchanges. The incident occurred at a gas station in Oak Cliff, not far from a busy freeway, as children from Felix G. Botello Elementary School were heading home.
Dallas ISD police officers arrived quickly at the scene, where they found Al-Khalaf gravely injured beside his vehicle. Despite their efforts, he died shortly after being transported to a hospital. Investigators discovered that Al-Khalaf had been attempting to sell a black iPhone 15, a deal arranged through Facebook.
Surveillance cameras captured the suspect, Amaya Medrano, interacting briefly with Al-Khalaf before fleeing and then turning back to fire her weapon. This footage was crucial in identifying Medrano, who was recognized by her unique tattoos, which matched images on her social media accounts.
In a twist of fate, the same online account that had arranged the ill-fated meeting was later used to list an iPhone 15 for sale, leading to Medrano’s arrest by U.S. Marshals. She now resides in the Dallas County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
Al-Khalaf’s family is left grappling with their loss, remembering him as a dedicated family man who worked tirelessly to provide for them. Court records show that Medrano was already on probation for a violent crime, having pleaded guilty to a stabbing incident last May.
This tragic event has ignited discussions about the safety of digital marketplaces and the need for vigilance when engaging in such transactions. It serves as a stark warning of the unforeseen risks that can accompany these everyday interactions.