Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican influencer, was fatally shot while livestreaming on TikTok from her beauty salon in Guadalajara. Authorities are investigating her death as a femicide, the eighth in Jalisco this month. Marquez, a popular figure with over 113,000 followers, had expressed concerns about possible threats just before her murder. The incident underscores the severe issue of violence against women in Mexico as femicide rates continue to rise.
In a tragic incident, 23-year-old Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez was shot while livestreaming on TikTok. The shooting occurred on Tuesday in her beauty salon, Blossom The Beauty Lounge, located in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Marquez had garnered over 113,000 followers on social media, where she frequently shared content on beauty and lifestyle.
During the livestream, Marquez was seen holding a stuffed pink pig and seemed to sense danger, as she remarked, “He is coming,” shortly before a man asked if he could speak to her. She confirmed her identity and then turned off her microphone. Within moments, she was shot twice, primarily in the torso, rendering her unable to seek help before collapsing in her chair.
Authorities reported that the shooter fled the scene on a motorcycle. The event was witnessed live on social media, highlighting the horrific nature of the crime. Notably, earlier in the stream, Marquez hinted at potential threats, sharing a concerning detail about an unknown delivery that she had been told about. The circumstances surrounding her death raised suspicions about possible motives linked to her comments.
The Jalisco state prosecutor’s office has classified the case as a femicide, indicative of violence directed towards women due to their gender. Reports indicated that Marquez’s TikTok account disappeared following the incident, further adding to the distress.
Marquez, who opened her salon in 2024, gained prominence through her beauty tips and personal anecdotes, establishing a loyal follower base. In 2021, she earned recognition as Miss Rostro, enhancing her profile in the beauty world and solidifying her role as an influencer and entrepreneur in her community.
Femicide remains a grave issue in Mexico. Recent United Nations data reveals that Mexico has one of the highest femicide rates globally, with an alarming frequency of ten women or girls murdered every day. In Jalisco, this incident marks the eighth reported femicide of the month. The serious situation regarding violence against women in the region has increasingly come under scrutiny, especially with rising numbers.
Zapopan’s Mayor Juan Jose Frangie remarked that no report of threats against Marquez had been logged before her death. The heinous crime drew parallels to the recent murder of another female political candidate, underscoring the rising violence against women. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the motives behind the attack were still unclear, unfortunately highlighting an unsettling reality that many women face in today’s society.
Valeria Marquez’s shocking death while livestreaming reflects the alarming trend of violence against women in Mexico, particularly in the context of femicides. As investigations unfold, her story serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gender-based violence in the region. The community mourns a vibrant influencer whose life was cut tragically short, and concerns about safety persist. This incident highlights broader societal issues that must be urgently addressed to prevent further tragedies.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
