Tragedy on TikTok: Mexican Beauty Influencer Valeria Márquez Shot Dead During Livestream
Zapopan, Mexico — In a deeply disturbing act of violence that has reignited national outrage over gender-based crimes, 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Márquez was fatally shot while livestreaming on TikTok from the beauty salon where she worked. Her death is now being formally investigated as a femicide by authorities in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
Valeria, known for her engaging beauty tutorials and lifestyle content, had built a loyal online following of nearly 200,000 fans across TikTok and Instagram. Her vibrant online presence was tragically cut short when an unidentified assailant entered the salon on Tuesday and opened fire while she was on camera.
A Murder Captured in Real Time
The final moments of Márquez’s life played out in horrifying real-time before viewers on TikTok. Sitting at a table and holding a stuffed toy, she appeared visibly anxious. “They’re coming,” she said shortly before a voice in the background called out, “Hey, Vale?” She responded, “Yes,” before muting the stream.
Just seconds later, the screen captured a moment of chaos. Gunshots were heard, and a figure appeared to pick up her phone. The individual’s face was briefly visible before the stream abruptly ended.
Earlier in the livestream, Valeria had expressed unease about a suspicious visit to the salon. She shared that someone had tried to deliver an “expensive gift” while she wasn’t present, and she was unsure if the person would return. Her remarks, once dismissed as harmless commentary, now form part of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Femicide: A National Emergency
Mexican prosecutors have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a femicide, a gender-motivated crime defined by patterns of extreme violence, sexual abuse, or the public display of a victim’s body.
The State of Jalisco, where the murder occurred, ranks sixth among Mexico’s 32 federal entities — including Mexico City — for homicide cases. According to the data analysis group TResearch, 906 homicides have been recorded in Jalisco since President Claudia Sheinbaum assumed office in October 2024.
Mexico shares the fourth-highest femicide rate in Latin America and the Caribbean with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. UN data shows 1.3 femicides per 100,000 women across the region in 2023.
A Digital Life Cut Short
Márquez’s death marks yet another grim chapter in Mexico’s struggle with violence against women. While her killer remains unidentified, public outcry has been swift. Hashtags such as #JusticeForValeria and #NiUnaMenos are trending across platforms as citizens demand action.
Friends, fans, and fellow influencers have paid tribute to Valeria’s memory, remembering her for her creativity, charisma, and desire to build a safe online space for expression and beauty.
A Wake-Up Call for Online and Offline Safety
Her murder raises urgent questions about the safety of influencers and women in Mexico. Experts are calling for greater cooperation between tech companies and law enforcement to address real-time threats. This tragedy also prompts a national reflection on the structural changes needed to protect women in both physical and digital spaces.
As Mexico mourns another life lost to gender violence, the memory of Valeria Márquez may yet serve as a call for action and reform — so that no more lives are silenced in real time.