FACEBOOK CAR DEAL TURNS DEADLY AS ANTIOCH BUYER IS GUNNED DOWN

Police say 41-year-old Alexander E. Sanchez-Montilla went to a home in Antioch on Thursday night to look at a car advertised online. He was shot during the meetup and later died at a Nashville hospital. The Metro Nashville Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.

How Police Say The Shooting Unfolded

According to investigators, Sanchez-Montilla went to a residence on Winton Drive in Antioch to see a vehicle listed on Facebook Marketplace. Police say he entered the home’s garage and was hit by gunfire as he was leaving.

Wounded, Sanchez-Montilla called 911 while a friend drove him along I-24 to TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna. He was then airlifted to TriStar Skyline in Nashville, WSMV reported.

Local radio and hospital reports say Sanchez-Montilla suffered gunshot wounds to both legs and died after being moved to Skyline Medical Center.

Investigators told WGNS they believe he was targeted as he ran from the garage toward a waiting vehicle. Detectives are still working to piece together the full sequence of events.

• • Create Effective Listings: Use multiple photos, including angles and close-ups, in natural light.

  • Optimize Descriptions: Include dimensions, brand, and condition. Use keywords that buyers will search for.

  • Strategic Pricing:

    Research similar items and price slightly higher to allow for negotiation

• Boost Visibility: Regularly refresh or edit listings to keep them at the top of the feed.

• Safety First: Meet in public, well-lit areas, such as police stations or coffee shops.

• Vet Buyers: Check buyer profiles to avoid scammers, and watch out for users asking to move off-platform.

• Speed Matters: Respond quickly to inquiries to build trust and close sales faster. 

Investigation And Public Tips

Metro Police are asking anyone with information to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous.

Safety For Online Marketplace Meetups

The killing is another grim reminder that in-person meetups for online sales can go sideways fast.

National reporting and police advisories urge buyers and sellers to meet in public, well-lit locations, ideally at law enforcement “safe exchange” zones, to bring a friend along, and to finalize payment only after carefully checking the item. Those recommendations are outlined by WSJ and reinforced in the guidance highlighted by WSB.