A Mexican social media influencer with tens of thousands of followers on TikTok was fatally shot while live-streaming, authorities reported on Wednesday.
The Mexican press identified the victim as Valeria Marquez, 23, who shared beauty and lifestyle content, some of which garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
She was killed on Tuesday evening inside her beauty salon located in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara in western Mexico, according to the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office.
In a statement, the prosecutor’s office noted, “The victim is someone with an active presence and influence on social media,” and added, “A man entered the premises and apparently fired a gun at her.”
The motive behind the attack remains unknown at this time.
The region where the incident occurred is known for high levels of criminal activity and is the base of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations. However, state security coordinator Roberto Alarcon told reporters that investigators have not yet found any evidence linking a criminal group to the shooting.
Zapopan mayor Juan Jose Frangie stated that his office had no record of Marquez seeking assistance from authorities due to threats. He commented on the incident, saying, “It’s incredible that you’re making a video and then you’re murdered. A femicide is the worst thing.”
According to media reports, Marquez was killed by a man who pretended to be delivering a gift to her.
The United Nations reports that approximately 10 women or girls are murdered daily in Mexico, where violence related to crime and gender is widespread.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
