Shocking Murder of Influencer Valeria Márquez Highlights Violence Against Women in Mexico

Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old influencer, was shot and killed during a live TikTok session at a beauty salon in Zapopan, Mexico, bringing attention to escalating violence against women in the country. Authorities are investigating the incident for possible motives and perpetrators.

Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old TikTok influencer, was tragically shot while livestreaming from a beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, on Tuesday. As she interacted with her 113,000 followers, two men arrived on a motorcycle, with one entering the salon armed and inquiring if she was Valeria. Upon confirming her identity, the assailant shot Márquez before fleeing the scene, according to reports from the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office.

Her TikTok account was removed shortly after the incident, though disturbing footage of the event began circulating online. Witness accounts described her as sitting calmly with a pink stuffed pig in her lap moments before the attack, which has raised questions about the motivations behind the murder.

Prosecutors have stated that they currently have no suspects but are reviewing surveillance footage and social media for leads. Notably, the attackers had previously visited the salon under the guise of delivering a gift, suggesting they did not have a personal relationship with Márquez, as they inquired about her by name.

This incident vividly illustrates the rising tide of violence against women in Mexico, a crisis that has been increasingly recognized by activists and authorities alike. Organizations are calling for urgent measures to address systemic issues that contribute to gender-based violence, raising questions regarding the safety of women, especially those in public and high-profile positions. As investigators work to uncover the circumstances surrounding Márquez’s death, it serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggles many women face in a society marked by violence and impunity.