MEXICO CITY, May 14 – In a harrowing and deeply unsettling event, Mexican beauty and lifestyle influencer Valeria Marquez was fatally shot while livestreaming on TikTok, shocking viewers and sparking national outrage over escalating violence against women in the country.
The 23-year-old content creator, admired by nearly 200,000 followers across social platforms for her makeup tutorials and personal updates, was killed inside the beauty salon where she worked in Zapopan, a city in the western state of Jalisco. The attack unfolded during a live broadcast, with viewers witnessing the terrifying final moments before the screen went dark.
Authorities in Jalisco confirmed that the case is being pursued under the legal framework for femicide — the targeted killing of women based on gender. Femicide cases in Mexico often involve disturbing elements such as public humiliation, sexual assault, or a personal connection between the victim and the perpetrator. While no suspect has been officially identified, officials stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The chilling livestream began as a seemingly normal video, with Marquez appearing cheerful, clutching a plush toy while interacting with her audience. Just moments before the fatal shooting, her tone shifted. She uttered the words, “They’re coming,” appearing visibly uneasy. A voice in the background called out to her, “Hey, Vale?” to which she responded, “Yes,” before quickly muting the audio — the last words she would speak publicly.
Tragically, the livestream did not end there. A sudden gunshot echoed a few moments later, and the camera jerked as if knocked off balance. Someone reached for her phone, their face flashing on the screen for a moment before the livestream abruptly ended. The footage has since been removed from the platform, but not before sparking widespread condemnation online and in media circles.
Earlier in the same stream, Marquez had expressed discomfort about someone who had come to the salon earlier to deliver a mysterious and “expensive” gift when she was not present. She noted her unease and stated that she had no plans to wait around for the person to return.
Valeria’s death has reignited debate in Mexico over the crisis of femicide and the safety of women, especially those in the public eye. Her killing is a stark reminder of the growing dangers women face, even in spaces that should be safe — like their workplace. Despite advancements in awareness and social campaigns, Mexico continues to grapple with high levels of gender-based violence.
According to the most recent statistics, Mexico, along with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, ranks among the countries with the fourth-highest rates of femicide in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 1.3 reported cases per 100,000 women in 2023. These numbers underscore the gravity of the crisis and the need for urgent reform and protection for women across all sectors of society.
In Jalisco specifically, violent crime remains a significant concern. The state currently ranks sixth in total homicides nationwide since the beginning of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration in October 2024, with over 900 murders reported during that period. While not all of these deaths are linked to femicide, the rising trend of targeted violence against women adds another layer of urgency to the broader public security challenge.
Valeria Marquez was not just an influencer — she was a daughter, a friend, and an aspiring young woman who turned her passion for beauty into a career. Friends and fans have flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of a vibrant voice silenced far too soon. Many are demanding justice and calling for greater protection for female influencers, who often find themselves exposed to threats both online and offline.
The salon where the incident occurred remains closed, as investigators continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses. Community members in Zapopan have expressed grief and fear, with some organizing candlelight vigils in her memory and others calling for public demonstrations to demand systemic changes to address gender violence.
As her followers remember her for her kindness, creativity, and spirit, the question remains: how many more women must be lost before meaningful change takes hold? Valeria’s death is a painful addition to an already grim reality — one that countless families in Mexico know all too well.
The hope now is that her story will not fade into another statistic, but instead inspire a stronger push for accountability, safety, and justice for all women across the country.