Panola County, MS A father and daughter were tragically killed while attempting to buy a PlayStation 5 through Facebook Marketplace in a remote area of Panola County, Mississippi, authorities confirmed.
According to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on Sunday to a reported single-vehicle crash along River Road.
Upon arrival, they discovered the victims, identified as Victor Gonzalez, 42, and his 19-year-old daughter, Serenity Gonzalez, had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators are treating the deaths as a double homicide.
Family members say the father and daughter had left their Memphis-area home to meet an individual for a planned transaction to purchase a PlayStation 5 console.
A younger brother told reporters that both worked earlier that day and had planned to pick up the console in the afternoon.
Sheriff’s deputies noted muddy tire tracks around the vehicle, suggesting the victims may have attempted to escape before the vehicle crashed.
The sheriff’s office has not confirmed the motive but is investigating whether the incident was a robbery, ambush, or another form of attack.
“This is a devastating loss for the family and our community,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “We urge anyone with information to come forward to help us bring justice for Victor and Serenity Gonzalez.”
This incident underscores the risks of private meetups for online sales, particularly in secluded areas. Safety advocates recommend meeting in well-lit public places or designated exchange zones when completing online transactions.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any tips that may help identify the perpetrator(s).