An ordinary day at a Zapopan salon took a shocking turn for 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Márquez as she engaged with her followers on TikTok.

According to The Daily Caller, Márquez was allegedly shot and killed while livestreaming from her workplace on Monday, prompting a criminal investigation by Mexican authorities.

Márquez, a popular figure in the beauty community, was reportedly seated at a table holding a stuffed animal as she interacted with viewers when gunfire erupted. Authorities from the Jalisco Attorney General’s office stated that Márquez was approached by a man who entered the salon and asked her name before shots were fired.

Investigation centers on shocking livestream violence

The incident, which occurred in the Colonia Real del Carmen area of Zapopan, was partially captured on video as Márquez muted the sound and turned her attention to the unexpected visitor. The footage continued to record even after Márquez was fatally struck, ending only when an unknown individual picked up her phone.

According to multiple reports, the gunman shot Márquez in the head and chest after she confirmed her identity. Authorities arrived at the scene around 6:30 p.m. local time and confirmed the influencer’s death. Details from the investigation indicate that Márquez had mentioned earlier in the day that someone had come to the salon to deliver an “expensive gift.”

Authorities treat case as possible femicide

The Jalisco state prosecutor’s office is investigating the killing as a possible femicide, which under Mexican law refers to the murder of a woman because of her gender. The outlet cited Mexico’s ongoing struggle with high rates of gender-based violence.

No suspects have been publicly named as of Friday, and the investigation remains ongoing. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the person who picked up Márquez’s phone after the shooting.

Rolling Stone and NBC News both referenced statements from the Jalisco Attorney General’s office, which confirmed that Márquez was shot after being asked her name.

Leena Nasir, the reporter covering the story, emphasized the disturbing nature of the attack.

Leena Nasir, quoting the Jalisco AG's office, wrote
Márquez confirmed her name to the man before he fired and struck her in the head and chest, according to Rolling Stone.

Public response and broader context of gender violence in Mexico

The killing has reignited concerns about the safety of women in Mexico, where femicide rates remain high and violence against female public figures is an ongoing issue. Social media users expressed grief and outrage as news of Márquez’s death spread.

Márquez’s strong social media following has brought more attention to her death, with many supporters urging local officials to investigate thoroughly and provide answers.

She was killed while carrying out regular work duties, underscoring the risks that women often face in both public and professional settings in Mexico. As reported by *The Guardian*, the country continues to struggle with widespread gender-based violence. So far, authorities have not disclosed a motive, and it remains unclear if a person who visited the salon earlier that day is linked to the shooting.

Justice sought for slain influencer in Zapopan shooting

Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer, was killed while livestreaming from her Zapopan salon, after a man entered, asked her name, and shot her in the head and chest. Police confirmed her death at the scene, and the investigation is being handled as a potential femicide as authorities search for suspects and further information.

Mexican authorities have not named any suspects, and the investigation continues as officials piece together the circumstances of Márquez’s tragic killing. The case underscores the persistent threat of gender-based violence in Mexico and has prompted widespread calls for justice and accountability.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Awareness of surroundings is vital during live streams. While many influencers use live streams to connect with followers in real time, it's important to pay close attention to who enters the space, especially in a visible public location like a retail business. But no matter how cautious someone is, targeted violence can still occur.
2. Unexpected encounters should be taken seriously. Márquez reportedly mentioned someone bringing an “expensive gift” before her death, a detail that may have carried significance. People should consider reporting suspicious visitors or gifts to authorities, particularly if those gifts are unsolicited.
3. The right to safety should never depend on fame or gender. While influencers may face certain risks due to their visibility, gender-based violence can happen to anyone. Safety steps are useful, but the root issue lies in eradicating societal violence.

Regardless of precautions taken, victims should never be blamed for crimes committed against them.

Why This Story Matters

Valeria Márquez’s death underscores the serious and ongoing problem of femicide and gender-based violence in Mexico. Women face risk not only at home or in private but also in their workplace and online. Her killing highlights how public spaces, even those thought to be safe, like a beauty salon, can become crime scenes instantly and without warning.

The public nature of this attack, committed while Márquez was livestreaming, magnifies both the horror and urgency with which such crimes must be addressed. Justice in this case could serve as a turning point for more consistent and serious prosecution of femicide cases in the region.

Conclusion

Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer, was allegedly shot to death while livestreaming from her salon in Zapopan, Mexico. The Jalisco Attorney General’s Office has confirmed she was attacked shortly after providing her name to a man who entered her business. Authorities are investigating the killing as a femicide and have yet to name a suspect, though digital footage captured before and after the shooting could hold significant clues.

Márquez had previously mentioned a visit by someone bringing a costly gift, raising suspicions about possible advance contact with the assailant. Her death has sparked online mourning and renewed calls to address the crisis of violence against women in Mexico. As the investigation continues, the case serves as yet another painful reminder of just how vulnerable women can be — especially those in the public eye.