DALLAS — A 19-year-old is facing a capital murder charge in Dallas after allegedly shooting a 66-year-old man during a meetup to buy an iPhone, according to police. The incident, which was captured on surveillance video, occurred early Friday afternoon at a gas station in the Oak Cliff area.
The victim, identified as Ahmad Alkhalaf, reportedly arranged to sell an iPhone to Amaya Medrano through Facebook Messenger. The two met at the location on South Marsalis Avenue to conduct the transaction. According to court documents, the video footage shows the pair conversing before Medrano abruptly ran away, with Alkhalaf in pursuit. It was at this moment that Medrano allegedly turned and fired the shot that ultimately led to Alkhalaf’s death.
Local residents and nearby Dallas ISD police officers, who were stationed at Felix G. Botello Elementary School, reported hearing the gunshots. Alkhalaf was found injured in the parking lot and was quickly taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting has raised concerns among community members. Daniel Cigarroa, who lives close to the scene, expressed his distress over the incident. “It’s tragic that such a thing could happen. The stray bullets could have caused even more harm, endangering lives and property,” Cigarroa said, highlighting the risks to bystanders.
Investigators were able to connect Medrano to the crime through distinctive tattoos visible on her face and neck in images on her social media profile. Further probing revealed that the same Facebook account used to set up the meeting with Alkhalaf was attempting to sell an iPhone just three days after his death.
In response to the incident, Corbin Rubinson, a senior public information officer with the Dallas Police, emphasized the importance of safety during private sales meetups. Rubinson advised the public to meet in safe, public spaces, such as local patrol stations, and to always trust their instincts. “If something feels off, don’t hesitate to leave and always be prepared to call 911 if you feel threatened,” he advised.
Rubinson’s tips for safe transactions include using well-lit, public locations and bringing a friend or family member along. The Dallas Police also encourage residents to make use of online exchange zones located at police stations across the city, designed specifically to ensure safety during such exchanges.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in private sales and the importance of taking precautions to protect oneself during such transactions.