A shocking tragedy has shaken Mexico and the global social media community. Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old model and beauty influencer, was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok from her salon in Jalisco. Her final moments were captured live, leaving fans and followers in disbelief.
Who Was Valeria Marquez?
Valeria Marquez was a popular social media influencer known for her makeup tutorials, beauty tips, and lifestyle videos. She had over 149,000 followers on Instagram and more than 114,000 on TikTok. She also owned a salon named “Blossom the Beauty Lounge” in Zapopan, near Guadalajara.
How Did She Die?
Valeria Marquez was livestreaming on TikTok from her salon when the attack happened. She was seen smiling, holding a stuffed toy, and chatting with viewers. Seconds before the shooting, someone called out, “Hey, Vale?” She replied, “Yes,” and then muted the livestream.
Moments later, a man on a motorbike opened fire at her through the window. She was shot once in the chest and twice in the head. She collapsed on the spot. Paramedics arrived quickly but declared her dead immediately. The livestream ended when someone picked up her phone, and their face briefly appeared on camera.
A Warning Sign Before the Attack
Earlier in the livestream, Valeria mentioned that someone had tried to deliver an “expensive gift” to her salon when she was not there. She said she didn’t feel like waiting for that person to come back and seemed uneasy about the situation.
Was She Targeted?
The Jalisco state prosecutor is investigating the killing as a possible femicide — a crime where a woman is murdered because of her gender. The salon has been sealed off, and officials are collecting evidence from the scene.
Who Might Be Behind the Attack?
According to Mexican news outlet Milenio, Valeria may have had a relationship with Ricardo Ruiz Velazco, known as ‘El Doble RR’ — a leader of an armed group linked to the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG).
Reports suggest Velazco was angry about the expensive gifts Valeria received from fans. However, police have not confirmed his involvement, and there is no information about any arrest yet.
The Bigger Picture: Femicide in Mexico
Mexico has one of the highest femicide rates in Latin America. In 2023, the country recorded 1.3 femicides per 100,000 women. Jalisco ranks sixth in Mexico for the number of homicides, with over 900 cases since October 2024.
Human Rights Watch says that many crimes go unsolved in Mexico because the justice system lacks the ability to properly investigate and protect victims and witnesses.
A Life Lost Too Soon
Valeria Marquez’s death has left a deep impact. Her fans continue to post messages of grief on her social media pages, demanding justice. What happened to her is a tragic reminder of the dangers women face — even while doing something as ordinary as going live on TikTok.
