A routine transaction on Facebook Marketplace turned tragic in Antioch, Tennessee, last week, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old man. Alexander E. Sanchez-Montilla was shot while attempting to purchase a vehicle listed online, highlighting the growing risks associated with meeting strangers for online sales.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Sanchez-Montilla traveled to a residence on Winton Drive on Thursday, February 12, 2026, intending to buy a car. Investigators believe he was targeted after entering the garage of the home and remaining there for several minutes before gunshots were heard. He was shot in both legs as he fled back towards his friend’s vehicle.
Sanchez-Montilla contacted 911 while being driven by a friend along Interstate 24 East towards TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna, Tennessee. He was initially treated at StoneCrest before being airlifted to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, where he later died early Friday morning, according to the Nashville Police Department.
The incident underscores the potential dangers of using online marketplaces for in-person transactions. While Facebook Marketplace offers a convenient platform for buying and selling goods, it also presents opportunities for criminal activity. Authorities are urging users to exercise caution and prioritize safety when arranging meetings with strangers.
A Life Cut Short: Remembering Alexander Sanchez-Montilla
Sanchez-Montilla, described by family as a hardworking and selfless individual, leaves behind a daughter and a grieving family. His cousin, Alejandro, shared with local news outlets the family’s shock and devastation. “I was really, really shocked…I was just started crying and I just really felt like a, a hole in my stomach,” Alejandro said, according to WSMV. Sanchez-Montilla was known for his dedication to his family, regularly sending clothing and other items to relatives in Venezuela.
Alejandro described his cousin as someone constantly “hustling,” working various jobs – including solar panel installation, driving for Uber, and electrical work – to provide for his family and support loved ones. “He was just really focused on just hustle…a real person that, is battling to just to, to have a better quality of living,” Alejandro stated.
The family is now focused on returning Sanchez-Montilla’s body to Venezuela and seeking justice for his death. They have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist cover the associated costs.
Investigation Ongoing, No Suspect Identified
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the shooting. As of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, no suspects have been identified or arrested, and investigators are pursuing all available leads. Police have stated the home where the shooting occurred was not abandoned. The investigation spans multiple jurisdictions, as the incident began in Antioch, led to medical treatment in Rutherford County, and ultimately resulted in Sanchez-Montilla’s death in Nashville, according to WGNS Radio.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. The case highlights a concerning trend of violent crimes stemming from online marketplaces, prompting renewed calls for increased safety measures and awareness among users.
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The tragic death of Alexander Sanchez-Montilla serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with online transactions and the importance of prioritizing personal safety when meeting with strangers.
Please share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Nashville Police Department.
