Mexican social media influencer shot dead during a live stream

Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum was tragically shot and killed earlier this week during a live stream outside a restaurant in Culiacán, Sinaloa. Gastélum, 25, who had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok, was reportedly broadcasting with friends when two individuals on a motorcycle approached and shot him. Authorities have launched an investigation into the murder, examining his social media posts for potential links to criminal groups, as Culiacán is a known hub for cartel violence. The video of the incident was captured before being removed from the platform.

This latest incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of online personalities in Mexico, particularly in regions afflicted by organized crime. Gastélum's death is one of at least a dozen murders targeting social media influencers in Culiacán since September 2024, often amidst ongoing conflicts between factions of the Sinaloa cartel.

Another high-profile case involved beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was fatally shot in May 2025 while live-streaming from her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. Investigations into her killing led to the arrest of a criminal cell leader tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, with her death reportedly linked to her ex-boyfriend, the son of a cartel figure. These events underscore the significant dangers faced by public figures in Mexico's volatile criminal landscape.