Tragic Shooting of Mexican Influencer Valeria Marquez on Livestream Sparks Outrage

Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican influencer, was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok from her beauty salon in Guadalajara. As investigators categorize her shooting as femicide, this marks a troubling increase in violence against women in Jalisco, where Marquez was the eighth femicide this month. Her death has raised serious safety concerns and highlighted the urgent need for dialogue on gender-based violence in Mexico.

A tragic incident involving Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican influencer, unfolded live on TikTok. On Tuesday, as she livestreamed from her beauty salon in Guadalajara, Jalisco, a sudden attack led to her fatal shooting. Marquez had amassed over 113,000 followers on the platform, making her a recognizable figure in online beauty circles. Her sudden demise is sending shockwaves through her audience and the broader community.

The shooting occurred while Marquez was working at Blossom The Beauty Lounge. During the livestream, she was seen holding a stuffed pink pig, seemingly conversing with her audience before a man’s voice was heard asking if she was Valeria. Moments after confirming her identity, the livestream abruptly cut out as she switched off her microphone. Seconds later, she was shot, as gruesome footage capturing her pain circulated on social media.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailant fled on a motorbike immediately after the shooting. Marquez appeared to be shot multiple times, with at least one bullet striking her torso. Desperate and bleeding, she clutched her chest before succumbing to her injuries in front of her live audience. The disturbing nature of the incident raised urgent questions surrounding safety and the increasing levels of violence.

Before the attack, Valeria hinted at underlying concerns during her stream, stating, “Hey, what do you think happened to me?” She referenced a potential delivery, raising suspicions that someone might have intended to harm her. Comments about feeling threatened were alarming, as she indicated, “Dude, they might’ve been about to kill me.” Such commentary has fueled speculation regarding the possible motivations behind her tragic fate.

Authorities have stated they are treating Marquez’s murder under femicide protocols, which apply to cases where women are killed due to their gender. Reports indicate that this incident marks the eighth femicide in Jalisco within the month, shining a sobering light on violence against women in the region.

Marquez gained notoriety through her beauty and lifestyle content, operating the salon in Zapopan that she opened in 2024. Her rise was further solidified when she won the Miss Rostro beauty contest in 2021. She often shared personal anecdotes and experiences with her substantial follower base, portraying herself as relatable and engaged.

Femicide remains a grave issue in Mexico, with recent statistics highlighting the disturbing reality that around 10 women or girls are murdered daily across the country. Jalisco state ranks sixth in homicide rates among the 32 states in Mexico. These alarming figures have drawn the attention of local officials, including Zapopan Mayor Juan Jose Frangie, who stated there were no records of Marquez having sought help regarding any perceived threats.

This horrific incident follows closely behind another violent act involving a female mayoral candidate in Veracruz, assaulted during a livestream. The frequency of such tragedies underscores a pressing need for action and reform concerning violence against women in Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum remarked that she currently has no additional information regarding Marquez’s murder but emphasized the gravity of the situation.

Valeria Marquez’s tragic death on livestream underscores the urgent violence against women in Mexico, specifically through the lens of femicide. With Jalisco reporting alarming statistics and Marquez’s case invoking thoughts about her safety concerns, her demise highlights a troubling trend in society. Calls for action and reforms surrounding women’s safety are needed to confront this growing crisis, as her story and that of many others remain tragically unresolved.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com