Influencer Valeria Márquez was tragically shot and killed during a TikTok livestream in Mexico, with prosecutors now suspecting that she may have been targeted by a hitman. Denis Rodríguez, a spokesperson for the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed that the investigation into Márquez’s death is ongoing.
Prior to the fatal incident, Márquez expressed concern in the livestream when a man posing as a delivery driver and another individual on a motorcycle arrived at the salon where she was located in Guadalajara. The men claimed to have a gift for Márquez, causing her to fear for her safety.
Upon their return, the men inquired about Márquez’s whereabouts, leading authorities to believe that they were hired assassins. According to Rodríguez, the fact that the assailant did not have a personal relationship with Márquez suggests that the act was premeditated and carried out with a specific motive.
During the livestream, Márquez was handed a stuffed animal and a bag of Starbucks coffee before collapsing on camera after being shot. The shocking footage of the incident circulated online, prompting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to pledge support in apprehending the perpetrator and offering condolences to Márquez’s family.
With Márquez’s Instagram account boasting over 475,000 followers, fans have been devastated by her untimely death. Many took to social media to express their disbelief and share memories of the influencer, describing her as a person with a beautiful energy.
Rodríguez reiterated to The New York Times that the executioner likely had no personal connection to Márquez, indicating that the crime is being investigated as a potential femicide. Femicide is a term used when a woman is targeted and killed based on her gender, highlighting the need for justice in cases of gender-based violence.
The tragic loss of Valeria Márquez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by influencers and women in Mexico, shedding light on the urgent need for increased protection and accountability in cases of violence against women.
