Who was Valeria Marquez? Mexican beauty influencer shot dead during TikTok livestream

Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer, was tragically shot and killed while livestreaming on TikTok from her beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. The shocking incident happened on Tuesday and has caused widespread outrage on social media.

What Happened

Valeria was doing a live video in her salon when a man arrived pretending to be a delivery person. He then pulled out a gun and shot her in the chest and head. She died instantly.

In the live video, Valeria is heard saying, “They’re coming,” just before a voice asks, “Hey, Vale?” She replies, “Yes.” Those were her final words. Seconds later, gunshots are heard, and the screen goes blank. A woman is briefly seen picking up her phone at the end of the video, adding to the mystery.

Earlier that day, Valeria had posted a selfie from the same salon on her Instagram story. She had around 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials in Jalisco have launched a full investigation. The case is being treated as a possible femicide — a gender-based killing of a woman. The gunman has not yet been identified, and no arrests have been made.

On the same day, hours after Valeria’s murder, a former political representative, Luis Armando Córdova Díaz, was also shot dead nearby. It is not yet clear if the two incidents are connected, but both happened in areas where drug violence and crime are rising.

The Jalisco region is known for being affected by the powerful New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), which may be linked to rising violence in the area.

A Bigger Issue: Femicide in Mexico

Femicide is a growing problem in Mexico. Between 2018 and 2023, more than 1,000 cases were reported in Jalisco alone. Femicide includes murders linked to domestic violence, public executions, and crimes rooted in deep gender-based hatred.

According to the United Nations, Mexico has the second-highest number of femicides in Latin America. Many women in the country face violence, threats, and abuse daily.

Public Reaction

People across Mexico and the world have reacted with shock and sadness. Many are calling for justice and better protection for women. Bloggers and influencers posted tributes to Valeria, describing her as a hardworking entrepreneur and role model.

Officials have also warned the public not to share the graphic video out of respect for Valeria’s family.