A 23-year-old TikToker, Valeria Marquez, was shot dead while live-streaming on the popular social media platform. According to the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office, the incident occurred at a beauty salon in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, when a man entered the premises and opened fire.
Authorities report that the motive for the attack remains unknown, but the case is being investigated as a femicide—a crime in which women are killed because of their gender. Gender-based violence remains a serious issue in Mexico, with the United Nations estimating that 10 women or girls are murdered every day in the country.
Moments before the shooting, Marquez was seen on her livestream sitting at a table and holding a stuffed animal. The broadcast abruptly ended after the attack, when another person picked up her phone to stop the recording. Local media suggest the assailant may have posed as someone bringing her a gift.
Police arrived at the scene around 18:30 local time and confirmed Marquez’s death. No suspects have been named so far, and forensic experts are continuing their investigation.
Valeria Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. News of her death has shocked her fans, who have expressed grief and outrage on social media. The mayor of Zapopan, Juan José Frangie, stated that Marquez had not previously reported any threats to authorities, calling femicide “the worst thing” that can happen.
The case has reignited concerns about violence against women in Mexico and the dangers faced by public figures, especially women, on social media platforms.
