A tragic incident has rocked the social media world as 23-year-old Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez was fatally shot while live streaming on TikTok.
According to the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office, Marquez was inside her beauty salon in Guadalajara when a man entered and “apparently fired a gun at her.”
The shocking event, which unfolded in real-time on social media, has left her followers and the community devastated.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, treating it as a potential femicide—a term used when women and girls are killed because of their gender.
Moments before the fatal shooting, Marquez was seen in her salon, sitting at a table and holding a stuffed animal as she engaged with her followers during a livestream.
In a matter of seconds, the unimaginable happened—gunshots rang out, and the young influencer was shot dead.
The live broadcast only ended when another individual, visibly panicked, picked up Marquez’s phone to stop the recording.
Local media reports suggest that the attacker may have entered the salon pretending to deliver a gift.
Police officers were dispatched to the scene at around 18:30 local time (12:30 GMT) and confirmed that Valeria Marquez had died.
The state prosecutor’s office has not yet identified a suspect in connection with the fatal attack.
They have, however, confirmed that forensic experts are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Marquez’s killing is the latest in a country where gender-based violence is alarmingly common, with the United Nations reporting that an average of 10 women or girls are murdered daily in Mexico, often by partners or family members.
In the wake of the tragedy, fans of Valeria Marquez—whose social media presence spanned nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram—have expressed their grief and disbelief.
Many have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes, describing her as a lively and charismatic figure who had inspired and entertained them.
Her sudden death has reignited conversations about the urgent need for more robust measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in Mexico.
Zapopan Mayor Juan José Frangie, speaking on the incident, stated that his office had no record of Marquez requesting help from authorities due to any threats.
“A femicide is the worst thing,” the mayor said, acknowledging the severity of the case.
As the investigation continues, authorities are under pressure to deliver answers and ensure that justice is served for Valeria Marquez, a young woman whose life was cut short in a horrific act of violence.
