Mexican Influencer Shot Dead During TikTok Livestream in Suspected Femicide
Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican social media influencer, was fatally shot while livestreaming on TikTok from her beauty salon in the Guadalajara suburb of Zapopan. The Jalisco state prosecutor’s office confirmed that an unidentified man entered the salon and opened fire on Marquez during the live broadcast.
Marquez, who had amassed nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, was seen in the video sitting at a table and holding a stuffed animal just moments before the fatal shooting. The stream was abruptly cut short when another individual picked up her phone and stopped the recording.
Local media reports suggest that the attacker may have gained access to the premises by posing as someone delivering a gift. Police arrived shortly after the incident and confirmed Marquez’s death at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time.
Authorities are treating the killing as a femicide — a gender-based crime — though the motive remains unclear and no suspects have been identified as of yet. Forensic investigations are ongoing.
Mexico continues to grapple with high rates of gender-based violence. According to the United Nations, an average of 10 women or girls are murdered each day in the country, often by partners or family members.
Zapopan Mayor Juan José Frangie commented on the tragedy, revealing that Marquez had not previously sought police protection despite reportedly receiving threats. “A femicide is the worst thing,” he said.
The incident has sparked renewed outrage over the pervasive violence against women in Mexico and raised questions about the safety of women in public and online spaces.