On May 13, 2023, Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican TikTok influencer, was fatally shot while livestreaming from a beauty salon in Zapopan, Jalisco. Investigators are treating her death as a femicide, a term used to describe murders of women and girls based on their gender. During the livestream, Marquez expressed concern about an unknown individual who had come to the salon with an expensive gift. Just before the attack, she was heard asking if “they’re coming,” and shortly after, the stream ended abruptly with someone taking her phone. Her death sent shockwaves through social media, resulting in a significant increase in her followers, as users commented on the tragic irony of gaining followers posthumously.
Though no suspect has been identified, the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation that includes gathering evidence and analyzing social media activity. Experts from the Jalisco Institute of Forensic Sciences have been involved in processing the scene to uncover details surrounding the murder.
Marquez, who shared her life as a model and beauty salon worker online, is one of many victims of femicide, which can stem from various reasons, including intimate partner violence and organized crime. Jalisco has been noted for its high crime rates, prompting travel advisories due to the prevalence of gang violence and kidnappings, particularly in areas like Guadalajara.
The case highlights the broader issue of gender-based violence in Mexico, emphasizing the urgent need for societal and governmental action. Meanwhile, the local community remains shocked, grappling with the loss of a young influencer whose life was tragically cut short.
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