A routine online purchase turned deadly for a Mississippi family after a father and his teenage daughter were discovered lifeless inside their work van during what relatives believe was a meeting arranged through Facebook Marketplace.
Authorities in Panola County are investigating the killings of 42-year-old electrician Victor Gonzales and his 19-year-old daughter, Serenity Gonzales, who was also an electrician. The pair were found with gunshot injuries on Sunday along a rural roadway near Sardis after deputies responded to what was initially reported as a single-vehicle crash.
Family members told police that the two had planned to meet someone to purchase a PlayStation 5 through the online marketplace shortly before their deaths.
According to relatives, Victor and Serenity had spent the day working before stopping to get food and then heading out for the transaction. Serenity’s younger brother, 15-year-old Jessie Waterman, said the family had no information about the person they were supposed to meet.
Investigators reportedly noted unusual tyre tracks near the location where the van was discovered, leading them to believe that the victims may have attempted to escape the area moments before the shooting. The family’s vehicle was also found with mud along its sides, something Jessie said was unusual. He also theorised that the mud came from an escape attempt.
Deputies were alerted about a crash, and when they arrived at the scene, they found the victims with gunshot wounds inside the van. Panola County Sheriff Shane Phelps has not confirmed whether robbery or a planned ambush is being investigated, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.
Family members say they are struggling to understand what could have led to the violent encounter, insisting the pair had no known enemies. Serenity’s brother described her as outgoing and full of life. The sudden loss has left their family searching for answers as investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened during the ill-fated meeting.