TikTok Beauty Influencer Shot Dead During Live Stream

The Shocking Incident

In a tragic event that has captured the attention of social media users globally, TikTok beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, aged 23, was shot dead while livestreaming from her beauty salon in Zapopan, Mexico. The harrowing incident occurred on May 14, 2025, when Marquez was engaging with her followers and unboxing a parcel live. Just moments after expressing her excitement, her life was abruptly cut short.

Details of the Live Stream and the Crime

As Marquez chatted with her audience about a stuffed animal she had received, an unseen intruder entered her salon. According to reports, she was caught on camera slumped in her chair with blood pooling in front of her as the livestream continued. The footage only ceased when someone else picked up her phone, revealing their face briefly to the viewers.

Investigation Underway

The Jalisco Attorney General’s office confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a suspected femicide. The term femicide refers to the gender-based killing of women and girls, a significant issue in Mexico, which has one of the highest rates of femicides globally.

The Intruder’s Actions

Reports indicate that the accused arrived at the salon earlier that day and inquired about Marquez before returning to commit the act just as she was live streaming. To date, the suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and there are no indications that the murder is related to any drug cartel activities in the area.

A Grieving Community

The brutal assassination of Valeria Marquez has deeply reverberated within her community and beyond. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram, her passing has sparked national outrage, highlighting the ongoing violence against women in Mexico.

Statistics on Femicide in Mexico

In 2020, a quarter of female homicides in Mexico were investigated as femicides.
There were 847 reported cases of femicide in Mexico last year.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, there were 162 reported cases.

Human Rights Watch has pointed out the alarming statistic that roughly 4,000 women were killed in Mexico in 2022, making up about 12% of all homicides that year. The lack of proper investigations and prosecutions for these crimes remains a persistent issue.

Broader Context and Related Incidents

Just days prior to Marquez’s tragic death, another woman—Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate—was also shot during a live campaign broadcast alongside several others, underscoring the escalating violence against women in public spheres.

Ongoing Challenges

Rights groups argue that the Mexican government’s response to homicides, especially those involving women, is inadequate. They call for better investigations and stronger protections for witnesses and victims, pointing to systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence.

A Call for Justice

The death of Valeria Marquez serves as a sinister reminder of the realities many women face in Mexico. Advocates continue to push for change, raising awareness about the violence faced by women and demanding accountability from authorities.

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Valeria Marquez, TikTok, influencer, femicide, Mexico, Jalisco, violence against women, social media, crime, justice