The tragic killing of Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez during a livestream on TikTok has shocked the international community and reignited a wave of outrage over the growing gender-based violence in Latin America.

Tragedy During a Livestream

On the afternoon of May 13, 2025, Valeria Márquez, 23, was livestreaming from her beauty salon—Blossom The Beauty Lounge—in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. During the livestream, she received word that someone had come to deliver an expensive gift. Valeria appeared worried and told viewers, “Maybe they’re going to kill me.”

Moments later, two men on a motorcycle, one disguised as a delivery driver, entered the salon. After confirming her identity, they pulled out a gun and shot her multiple times in the head and chest, killing her on the spot. The horrifying act was captured live, with thousands of viewers watching in real time.

Valeria Márquez: Life and Career

Valeria was a popular model and influencer in Mexico with over 200,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram. She won the Miss Rostro beauty pageant in 2021 and later opened her own salon. On social media, Valeria often shared content about beauty, fashion, and her luxurious lifestyle, including trips on private jets and yachts.

Investigation and Questions About Motive

Mexican prosecutors are treating the case as a femicide—murder motivated by gender. According to Jalisco state prosecutor spokesperson Denis Rodríguez, the killer likely did not know Valeria personally, suggesting this was a contracted assassination. The suspect acted with clear intention and precision.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to Valeria’s family and vowed that the authorities would thoroughly investigate the case to uncover the motive and hold those responsible accountable.

Public and Community Reactions

Valeria’s death has sparked outrage on social media and among the public. People have left flowers and messages of remembrance outside her salon. Women’s rights groups organized protests in Guadalajara, demanding justice for Valeria and urging the government to take stronger action against gender-based violence.

The Broader Context of Gender-Based Violence in Mexico

Mexico faces a serious crisis of gender-based violence. According to United Nations data, around 10 women or girls are killed every day in the country. However, many cases are not properly investigated or classified as femicide, resulting in unreliable statistics and making it difficult to implement effective prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The murder of Valeria Márquez is not just a personal tragedy—it is a symbol of the widespread issue of gender-based violence in Mexico and across Latin America. It raises serious questions about women’s safety, especially for those with a public presence on social media. The international community and human rights organizations are calling on the Mexican government to take stronger action to protect women and ensure that justice is served in this case.