A young Mexican influencer named Valeria Marquez was tragically shot and killed while streaming on TikTok. The incident took place in Zapopan, a city near Guadalajara, on Tuesday. Valeria, who was just 23 years old, had built a following with her beauty and makeup videos, amassing around 200,000 followers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The authorities are treating her death as a femicide, which is defined as the killing of a woman because of her gender. This classification highlights the serious issue of gender-based violence in Mexico, which has some of the highest rates of such violence in the world. The Jalisco state prosecutor confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and the suspect has not yet been identified.
Witnesses reported that moments before the shooting, Valeria was on a livestream, sitting at a table and holding a stuffed toy. She expressed concern when she mentioned someone had arrived at the salon with an expensive gift for her. Just before the shooting, she was heard saying, “They’re coming,” followed by a voice asking for her. Shortly after, the livestream was muted, and Valeria was shot.
This shocking event has sent waves of fear and outrage through the community. Femicide in Mexico often involves brutal violence, and the authorities are aware of the disturbing patterns that accompany such crimes. The incident has reignited conversations about the safety of women in Mexico, where gender-based violence remains a critical issue.
Valeria’s last Instagram post was made earlier that day, showing her in front of a mirror at the salon. Her death has sparked discussions about the dangers faced by women, particularly those in the public eye. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young woman who had so much potential and a bright future ahead of her.