Victor Gonzalez, 34, was robbed at gunpoint during a Facebook Marketplace meetup on Sept. 13 and called 911 while pursuing the suspects, later reporting he had been shot. Authorities arrested 17-year-old Anthony Castro on Sept. 18 and charged him with capital murder. A witness said Castro fired toward a chasing vehicle and reportedly said, "I just hit a lick." Gonzalez's wife urged caution when meeting buyers or sellers from online marketplaces. A hearing for Castro is set for Sept. 30.
Dad Shot Dead After Facebook Marketplace Robbery — 17-Year-Old Arrested and Charged
Victor GonzalezCredit: Facebook
Victor Gonzalez, a 34-year-old father of two, was fatally shot after being robbed during a Facebook Marketplace meetup and then chasing the suspects, authorities said.
What Happened
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and a probable cause order obtained by PEOPLE, Gonzalez was robbed at gunpoint on Sunday, Sept. 13, while attempting to sell an item through Facebook Marketplace. He called 911 from the 900 block of Pear Street to report the robbery and told the dispatcher he was pursuing the suspects in his vehicle. Gonzalez later told the operator he had been shot and then stopped responding.
Arrest and Evidence
On Friday, Sept. 18, investigators arrested 17-year-old Anthony Castro. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office charged Castro with capital murder in connection with Gonzalez’s death. Court documents and witness interviews describe a sequence in which Castro allegedly directed another person to a location to pick up additional people, heard a gunshot, ran back to a vehicle and told the driver to leave the scene.
Anthony CastroCredit: Harris County Sheriff's Office
A witness told detectives that Castro fired toward a vehicle that had been chasing them and later said, "I just hit a lick," a phrase often used to describe committing a robbery, according to the probable cause order.
Family Reaction and Safety Reminder
Gonzalez's wife, Mayra Gonzalez, told KTRK that her husband was a devoted family man with many friends. "Everyone knew him. He had friends everywhere," she said. She urged others to be cautious when meeting people from online marketplaces and called the tragedy a lesson for others.
Next Steps
Castro has not yet entered a plea. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30. Authorities continue to investigate the case; the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and local news outlets including KTRK and PEOPLE reported on the developments.
Note: Anyone arranging in-person transactions through online marketplaces is advised to take safety precautions, such as meeting in a public, well-lit place and bringing a companion.
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