ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – A chilling incident unfolded Tuesday as popular Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez was fatally shot during a live broadcast on TikTok. The 23-year-old, who enjoyed a significant following of over 113,000 fans, was tragically murdered at the salon where she worked in Zapopan.
During the livestream, Márquez was unwrapping a gift she described as a “little piglet,” a stuffed toy, when her demeanor abruptly shifted. Moments before the attack, she spoke to someone offscreen, muttered “They’re coming,” and then silenced the stream. Shortly after, the sound of gunshots rang out, and she was struck several times in the head and chest.
An unidentified woman eventually ended the livestream after the shots were fired. Authorities are treating this case as femicide, which refers to the murder of women based on their gender. Investigations by the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office revealed that two masked men on motorcycles executed the brazen attack.
According to the prosecutor’s office spokesperson, Denis Rodríguez, one of the men approached Márquez inside the salon, asked to confirm her identity, and immediately opened fire upon her response. The attacker then fled on a motorcycle.
Prior to the attack, Márquez was reportedly concerned after being informed that someone had attempted to deliver an “expensive gift” to her. She mentioned this during her livestream, expressing unease about the situation.
Investigators have noted that Márquez likely did not know her assailant, who is believed to have been acting in the capacity of an executioner. Rodríguez also noted that the same individuals had appeared at the salon earlier, claiming they had a gift for Márquez.
The incident has prompted discussions around violence targeting women in Mexico, where femicide remains a significant issue. Authorities continue to explore every lead related to this devastating crime, as the influencer’s followers and local community grapple with her sudden death.
Márquez’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and concern among her sizable fanbase, highlighting the pervasive dangers faced by women in the region. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials strive to bring those responsible to justice.
Márquez’s tragic end has unfortunately underscored the vulnerability of women in public and digital spaces, prompting calls for heightened protection and awareness efforts.