Mexican Influencer Shot Dead During TikTok Livestream

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – A young Mexican social media influencer named Valeria Marquez was shot and killed during a TikTok livestream on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the nation grappling with high levels of gender-based violence.

The incident occurred in Zapopan, where Marquez, 23, was working at a beauty salon. According to a statement from the Jalisco state prosecutor, her death is being investigated under protocols for femicide, which refers to the killing of women or girls due to their gender.

Moments before the shooting, viewers on the livestream saw Marquez seated at a table holding a stuffed toy. She was heard saying, “they’re coming,” when a voice off-camera asked, “Hey, Vale?” Marquez responded, “Yes,” just before muting the livestream. Seconds later, she was shot.

A person can be seen picking up her phone, briefly appearing on the livestream before it abruptly ended. The prosecutor’s office has not yet named a suspect in the case.

Previously during the livestream, Marquez expressed concern about an unexpected visitor who had come to the salon with an “expensive gift.” She indicated she would not wait for the individual to return.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico ranks high in femicide rates, tied with countries like Paraguay and Uruguay. In 2023, the rate recorded was 1.3 femicides per 100,000 women. Jalisco is among the top six Mexican states for homicides, tallying 906 since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024.