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Mexican TikTok Influencer Killed During Livestream Investigated as Femicide

Authorities are probing the murder of Valeria Márquez, 23, as a gender-based killing, with cartel ties and hired assassins under scrutiny.

Mexican social media influencer, Valeria Marquez, 23, who was brazenly shot to death during a TikTok livestream in the beauty salon where she worked in the city of Zapopan, looks on in this picture obtained from social media. @v___marquez/via Instagram/via REUTERS
A newsstand displays front pages covering the funeral Mass of Valeria Marquez, 23, a Mexican social media influencer who was fatally shot during a TikTok livestream, in Guadalajara, Mexico, May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
People walk past a newsstand displaying front pages covering the funeral Mass of Valeria Marquez, 23, a Mexican social media influencer who was fatally shot during a TikTok livestream, in Guadalajara, Mexico, May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
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Overview

  • Valeria Márquez, a beauty influencer with nearly 200,000 followers, was fatally shot at her Zapopan salon while livestreaming on TikTok.
  • The murder is being investigated under femicide protocols, which address gender-related killings, as confirmed by Jalisco state prosecutors.
  • Investigators suspect a hired assassin carried out the attack and are exploring potential cartel connections in the region controlled by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
  • President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a joint investigation between Mexico's security cabinet and Jalisco authorities to identify the perpetrators and motive.
  • Despite public outrage, no suspects have been formally identified, highlighting systemic challenges in addressing violence against women in Mexico.