Mexican Influencer Killed on TikTok Livestream; Authorities Investigating as Femicide

In a horrifying incident that has rattled Mexico and the global social media community, 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Marquez was fatally shot during a TikTok livestream in a beauty salon located in Zapopan, Jalisco.

Valeria was known for her makeup tutorials and engaging content, amassing nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. Moments before her death, she was seen holding a stuffed toy and responded with a cautious “yes” when someone called her name. She then muted her livestream — moments later, she was shot dead.

Mexican authorities are investigating the case under femicide protocols, which are applied in cases where a woman is killed due to her gender. Femicide cases in Mexico often involve prior threats, degrading treatment, or violence in public spaces.

Valeria had expressed concern earlier on the same livestream about a mysterious man who had attempted to deliver an “expensive gift” to her when she wasn’t present. She told viewers she had no intention of meeting him.

Jalisco ranks sixth among Mexican states in reported homicides. Mexico itself is ranked among the top Latin American countries with high femicide rates—1.3 deaths per 100,000 women.

The killing of Valeria has reignited public outrage over the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence in Mexico, and many are demanding justice and protection for women, both online and offline.