Trigger Warning: This article contains references to death and loss that may be distressing to some individuals. If you are experiencing grief or loss, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support group. There is help available.
Valeria Marquez, a young Mexican social media influencer, was shot to death during a TikTok livestream, in an incident that sent shockwaves through a country that faces high levels of gender-based violence.
The 23-year-old influencer was fatally shot by a man in her beauty salon, according to the statement. The prosecutor’s office has not identified any suspects.
Valeria Marquez, who had nearly 200,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok was recognized for her beauty and makeup videos. Marquez had won the Miss Rostro beauty pageant in 2021. She ran a beauty salon, Blossom the Beauty Lounge, in Zapopan, in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico.
Caught on Livestream
Márquez’s TikTok account appeared to have been removed. However, a video of the shooting – verified by the prosecutor’s office – continued to circulate online. In the footage, she is seen sitting in a salon chair with a pink stuffed pig in her lap, briefly looking away from the camera.
She was heard saying, “They’re coming.” A voice off-screen is heard saying, “Hey, Vale?”
“Yes,” she responded, then muted the livestream’s audio. Moments later, she clutches her chest and stomach before collapsing in the chair. Another woman’s face appears on screen just before the video ends abruptly.
Ex-Boyfriend Suspected
Earlier in the livestream, Marquez mentioned that someone had come to the salon while she was away, attempting to deliver an “expensive gift” for her. Appearing uneasy, she said she didn’t plan to wait around for the person to return.
One of the main suspects is Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, also known as ‘RR’ or ‘El Tripa,’ with whom Márquez reportedly had a romantic relationship. Investigators believe jealousy over expensive gifts she received from fans may have been a motive. As of now, no arrests have been made.
This incident has intensified discussions about gender-based violence in Mexico, a country grappling with high femicide rates. Last year, there were 847 reported cases of femicide nationwide, and 162 in the first three months of this year, according to Mexican government figures.
The murder of Márquez, captured live on social media, underscores the dangers faced by women, particularly those in the public eye.
