A woman from Pasadena is speaking out to clear her name after the car she sold was used in a shooting at the Galleria shopping center in Houston. Though she had nothing to do with the crime, her name surfaced online because the vehicle was still registered to her. Now she wants to warn others about the risks of selling a car without following the right steps.
What Happened
The shooting happened last weekend in the yellow parking garage at the Galleria. Dashcam video captured a man getting out of a black 2013 BMW and firing multiple shots. The car was later found to have once belonged to Tania Leija, who sold it on Facebook Marketplace just days earlier, on May 31.
Why She’s Speaking Up
Even though investigators told ABC13 that Leija is not a suspect and no longer owns the car, people still found her name by looking up the license plate online. Leija said this led to a scary phone call from a stranger who threatened her.
“Next time he shoots, he’s gonna shoot you,” the caller said before hanging up. The call came from a private number, adding to her fear and confusion.
The Sale Details
Leija said it was her first time selling a car, and she didn’t realize how important it was to complete all the paperwork correctly. The buyer paid $3,500 in cash from a backpack and was in a hurry to buy the car. Leija said she signed over the title but didn’t draft a bill of sale or go with the buyer to the DMV.
She now believes that the man who bought the car might be the same person involved in the shooting, but she has no way to prove whether he filed the car transfer documents with the DMV.
Expert Advice
Car dealership owner Alan Helfman explained that when selling a car, the seller should always go with the buyer to the DMV to make sure the title transfer is done properly. Without this step, the seller remains responsible for anything that happens with the car—even crimes or toll violations.
The Texas DMV also recommends using this form Form 130-U to transfer ownership. It protects both the buyer and the seller.
“You never know if they’re going to transfer the car or not,” Helfman said. “They may never even do it, and you’re still on record as the owner.”
Tania Leija’s experience is a strong warning for anyone selling a vehicle online. While she had no part in the crime, her name became linked simply because the proper paperwork wasn’t completed. If you’re ever selling a car, make sure to fill out a bill of sale, sign over the title correctly, and go with the buyer to the DMV.
This will protect you from legal issues and keep you safe. Leija has since spoken with detectives about the threatening phone call, and police say they are making progress in identifying the shooter.
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