Tragic Death of Mexican TikToker Valeria Márquez Sparks Important Questions

On a tragic day, 23-year-old Valeria Marquez, a rising Mexican influencer, was shot and killed while live streaming on TikTok. This shocking event took place at her beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. The investigation into her death is being treated as a femicide, which means it is believed to have been motivated by her identity as a woman.

Valeria was not just an influencer; she gained recognition in 2021 by winning the Miss Rostro pageant. After that, she grew her online presence, offering makeup tips and insights on her luxurious lifestyle to her 223,000 Instagram followers and 100,000 TikTok fans.

On the day of her death, Valeria had been anxiously waiting for a courier. During her last stream, she expressed concern about not being able to see the courier’s face. In a chilling moment, as she held a pink stuffed animal, she suddenly collapsed after saying, “Why didn’t he just drop it off?” Moments later, the live stream ended when a friend took over the phone.

Authorities later reported that two men on motorcycles had approached her at the salon, and one shot her after confirming her identity. Jalisco, especially Zapopan, is known to be a dangerous area despite its upscale appearance. In fact, much of the local economy is tied to drug trafficking, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.

This region is not only witnessing an ongoing crime wave but also has one of the highest homicide rates in Mexico. Jalisco ranks sixth among Mexico’s states for murders, with reports indicating over 900 homicides since October 2024. Cartel violence is rampant, complicating the situation further. While the local prosecutor’s office is investigating Valeria’s case, there is no clear evidence linking her murder to organized crime.

Gender-based violence remains a significant issue in Mexico, where the country ranks alarmingly high in femicides—only behind a few others in the region. Recent statistics show a rate of 1.3 deaths per 100,000 women in 2023 according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Valeria’s death is part of a broader pattern. Just before her murder, Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a local political candidate, was also killed during a live-streamed event. These incidents have sparked outrage and discussions around safety for women in Mexico, especially those in the public eye.

With speculation surrounding Valeria’s death, some believe her past relationships may provide clues. She had previously shared fears about threats to her safety, a concern many women face in Mexico today.

As the investigation unfolds, it shines a light on the urgent need for greater protections against gender-based violence and the influence of organized crime in everyday life.



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