Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Shot Dead During TikTok Live in Jalisco

Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican influencer and beauty salon owner, was shot and killed while livestreaming on TikTok at her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. The assailant, who reportedly posed as a delivery person to gain access, asked if she was Valeria before opening fire and fleeing on a motorcycle. Authorities are investigating the killing as a femicide, reflecting Mexico's ongoing struggle with gender-based violence, with over 700 femicides recorded in 2024 alone. Marquez had a significant social media presence, with hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, where she shared beauty tips and personal stories. The president of Mexico and local prosecutors have vowed to find the perpetrators and uncover the motive behind the killing, which has sparked widespread shock and highlighted the dangers faced by women in the country. The investigation continues amid speculation about whether the crime might be connected to the local cartel presence, though no such links have been confirmed.