Influencer's murder shows dark side of Mexican social media fame

A sign from the Attorney General office is pictured at the beauty salon where influencer Marquez, 23, was murdered, in Zapopan, Jalisco State, Mexico on May 15, 2025. The 23-year-old's live streamed murder has shocked Mexico — where killings and kidnappings are a daily occurrence — and brought into sharp focus both its femicide epidemic and growing violence against influencers. — AFP

ZAPOPAN, Mexico: With her followers watching on TikTok, Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez revealed her fears of being kidnapped or killed. Soon afterwards, a gunman arrived and shot her dead.

The 23-year-old's livestreamed murder has shocked Mexico – where killings and kidnappings are a daily occurrence – and brought into sharp focus both its femicide epidemic and growing violence against influencers.