What was supposed to be a routine online purchase ended in tragedy for a Memphis family last weekend.
Victor Gonzalez, 42, and his 19-year-old daughter Serenity Gonzalez were found dead on Sunday, March 1, after deputies responded to a report of a possible single-vehicle crash on a remote gravel road in Sardis, Panola County, Mississippi — about 50 miles south of Memphis.
When authorities arrived, they found both father and daughter had died from gunshot wounds. The case is being investigated as a double homicide.
According to family members, Victor and Serenity, who worked together as electricians in Memphis, had been on a job site earlier that day before making plans to meet someone connected to a Facebook Marketplace listing for a PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Jessie Waterman, Victor’s son and Serenity’s younger brother, spoke to local media about the events leading up to the tragedy. Waterman said he believes his father and sister may have attempted to drive away before losing control of their vehicle, pointing to tire tracks and mud on the side of the van as evidence they were trying to flee.
“If I was to ask a question, it would be: why? All of this doesn’t make any sense,” Waterman said, adding that the two had no enemies and were simply going about their day.
Panola County Sheriff Shane Phelps confirmed the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify those responsible. No arrests have been made at this time.
Safety Tips for Online Marketplace Transactions
Authorities are advising anyone arranging purchases through Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms to meet in a public place, bring a friend, and choose a well-lit area frequented by police patrols. Many local police departments also allow buyers and sellers to use their parking lots as safe exchange locations.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Panola County at 662-209-2011.
